If you think you're living you're life perfectly, think again! Just kidding, but it's probable that you aren't abiding by some of life's most important rules. They go unwritten because you should just know them off the bat. Even if you don't think about it, they're bound to make you think "ohh, that makes sense actually". So if you think you're doing everything right, maybe it's time for you to check out these fifty things that people decided needed to be said.
Don't Suddenly Turn The Lights On
We all know what it feels like to get the lights suddenly turned on on us. If you notice someone is in the room and they're in the dark, you shouldn't just surprise them with a face full of light.
This is especially bad if someone is sleeping. It's really disorienting and frankly quite painful. You need to let your eyes slowly adjust to the light. Try asking them if they are ready for it, then go ahead and do it.
Don't Pee On The Seat
Look, things happen. You might end up peeing on the seat if you're rushing or have the dreaded split-stream, but you have to take responsibility for it! Clean up after yourself. We can't even count the number of times we've found a seat covered in pee.
Men, you have almost full control over the direction it comes out and you can also lift the seat...that's the only reason it lifts up at all!! It's not hard. You know what they always say: "in it, not at it".
Don't Place Perishables In The Wrong Isle
Listen, we understand you might have walked all the way across the store by now, but not putting away something that spoils in its proper place is more than just a mild inconvenience.
You might be thinking it's not your job to put it back, but you're not just making someone's job harder. Someone might actually take that not knowing how long it has been out; maybe a worker put it back too late without thinking. You can make people really sick that way.
Taking Calls On Public Transportation
Look, it's not illegal--we're not telling you that you absolutely can never do this. We just think that a lot of people don't have the courtesy and can be really inconsiderate to the people around them.
If it's an emergency, fine. If it's short, fine. But the minute you start getting loud or disruptive is the minute you need to ask the person you're speaking to if you can call them back. We're not here to be involved in your personal life, we're just trying to get somewhere.
Not Waving "Thank You"
How hard is it to have some common courtesy around here? Did your parents not teach you any manners when you were a kid? You know what, don't answer that question; we don't really care.
What we care about is the fact that we took you into consideration and let you cross over into our tightly packed lane and would appreciate the acknowledgment. Even if it's something small. It doesn't take much energy to wave at someone.
Give Up Your Seat For Those Who Need It
This can get a little bit tough for some people because it isn't always the easiest to tell if someone really needs the seat. Some people might take advantage of that and trick you into standing up.
Let's be real for a second, though. If you see an elderly person or a pregnant lady you should give them your seat. Even if they say it's fine, you should insist. They'll let you know if they really don't want it. Oh and don't forget about disabled people and those with injuries.
Don't Make Someone Self-Conscious About What They Can't Fix
If there's something you noticed about someone that they can't readily fix in the next five minutes, you probably shouldn't tell them at all. They're just going to become really anxious about it all day.
When you're out and about you shouldn't tell someone their clothes make them look fat, or they're too wrinkled, etc. Try to tell them at a time when it's would be more convenient for them. Unless they ask, of course.
Chew With Your Mouth Closed!
Is it hard to keep your mouth closed while you chew? If you really do have a jaw issue then fine, but you probably don't. We just don't understand why you must subject us to your masticating.
Have you ever watched yourself or someone else chew with their mouth open? It's nasty. Not just seeing all their chewed-up food, but also the loud, moist noises that you inevitably make. Please stop.
Return The Money You Owe
If someone doesn't tell you it's fine to keep the change, then you need to return every penny. If you tell someone you're borrowing it or that you'll return it then keep your word on that!
It doesn't matter if it's a few dollars, you're the one who implied it would be returned. You shouldn't force someone to explain why they need that money. It's just scummy to take borrowed money and then argue that it wasn't that much. That's basically stealing.
Clean Up Rented Spaces
It doesn't matter where you are. It could be a five-star hotel for all we care. We're not telling you to go and wash the sheets or use economics all over the place. We just think it's common courtesy.
People expect that you'll return their living space in the same condition as it was given to you, especially if you're renting an Airbnb. It's really not so hard to pick up your trash and do your dishes.
Don't Yell At Customer Service
We understand that you may and will have a complaint about something at some point in time, but the people you call to get help with your problem are not the people you should be yelling at.
These are people who are probably just waiting for a call and are standing by to help you at any time. They have nothing to do with whatever is wrong. Try asking for help from someone higher up in the chain.
Wait For Someone Outside
If someone is coming to pick you up you should go down and wait for them. Try to have everything ready to go before they even come so you don't end up spending time trying to find those things later.
People have better things to do than use their fleeting time waiting to take you somewhere. And if they're doing you the favor the least you can do is help them out by being better prepared.
Be On Time
Conversely, in relation to the last one, if you've offered to give someone a ride you need to be there on time. Depending on others to help you get where you need to go can be really stressful.
Don't tell someone you can take them at a certain time if you're not sure you can be there a few minutes early. It's not responsible of you to screw someone over like that. Also, be on time in general.
Keep Rented Products In The Same Condition
If you're borrowing something from someone, they expect that they'll get it back in the same condition. It doesn't matter what it is; it can be a bicycle or a lawnmower, it's all the same.
This is going back to the thing about rented living spaces and that's because it's pretty much the same thing. The person you borrowed a bike from isn't expecting you to pop a tire, so if it does you should get a new one. They're pretty cheap anyway.
Don't Finish The Host's Food
If someone invites you over and they have a whole bunch of food ready for you, don't go snarfing it all down like you've never been fed your entire life. You should leave some for them too.
They're probably running around making sure everything is going well and might not have had a chance to eat as much as they wanted. If you're unsure, you should try asking them if they want more, or maybe just leave it for them anyway.
Return Your Cart
We see you. Everyone who just leaves their shopping carts around is begging to be slapped. Those things end up in all sorts of places from all manner of things like a slanted road and--we kid you not--even strong winds.
We don't want to have to get out of our car and potentially hold up traffic or waste time trying to move your cart out of our parking spots. There's a reason that there are multiple return racks in every lane.
Don't Leave Your Clothes Around The Store
If you've gone out to do some shopping, you're going to try on some clothes. If you find something you don't like, however, you should either put it back or give it to the person responsible for that.
If you leave the clothes around all willy-nilly you're just going to make the job harder for the people working there and those who are also trying to find something for themselves.
Space Yourself Out In The Bathroom
Let's talk about this for a second. Urinals are the absolute worst. They're only helpful because they don't take up as much space or need as much privacy, but that lack of privacy is exactly the problem.
If you see that there are some empty urinals around, use one that's at least one space away from the other person. We all want as much privacy as possible and it doesn't help us pee thinking you can see our private parts.
Don't Drink The Last Beer
If someone bought beer for a get-together, you should leave the last one for them. Everyone wants to have their fill of alcohol and that person didn't buy the beer just to give it all away.
If you can't help but take all the beer you can find, maybe you should buy yourself a pack all for yourself as well. It's just common sense to not finish someone else's beer that they were kind enough to share with you.
Use Deodorant
If you're going out on a particularly hot day (or really just any time at all) you should probably put on some deodorant. You may not think you smell, but that doesn't mean that we don't as well.
You may not be bothered by your natural smell, but it can be rather offensive when we get a whiff of you as you pass by us on the bus...and then proceed to sit next to or around us. Just please be higenic.
Fill Up Your Borrowed Car
If you borrow someone's car, it's just common sense to return it filled up. You need to pay for the gas that you used, it's getting pretty expensive these days. It's also just courteous.
If you're really worried about spending too much, then just see if they can fill it up before you use it. Also, you should do the same thing when you rent a car. Everyone's responsible for filling up the car with gas, that's just what it means to have a car. Gas isn't free.
Don't Watch Loud Things At A Restaurant
If you're alone at a restaurant we obviously don't expect you not to use your phone. That being said, there are still basic rules of common courtesy that you have to respect and abide by.
If you want to watch something, wear headphones. If you didn't bring any, that doesn't give you the right to then play everything out loud. We don't want to get caught up in whatever weird videos or politics you're interested in.
Don't Bother Someone Wearing Headphones
Speaking of headphones, that person over there wearing them has probably put them on for a reason. It's best that you don't bother them unless it's something urgent, which it probably isn't.
We're sure you wouldn't like it if someone came up to you while you were trying to drown the world out and forced you back to reality. It's really unpleasant having to rip away your safe zone so that someone can ask you for directions.
You Can't Always Expect A Discount
You may have a friend that does such and such for a living, but that doesn't automatically give you the right to a discount. They might not even be allowed to do something like that.
You don't want to get your friend in trouble and they don't want that either. If they offer you a discount, that's great! Otherwise, you might just want to let it slide or try to ask if they have any coupons.
Keep The Lanes Clear In Stores
If you're in a really busy store or a crowded mall then it's all of our responsibilities to try to keep the flow of traffic clear. That way people can get where they need to go and there's room in case of emergency.
How you go about that is pretty simple: just like traffic goes forward on the right nd backward on the left (or the opposite in other countries) so too should you walk forward and back on the same side.
Double Flush If You Need
Look, we all want to save water and the environment, but if you need to flush the toilet again, go ahead. No one wants to see any of the remaining bits you've left over from your number two.
We all know you look inside after you're done. It's really compelling to make sure everything looks alright. So if you notice a few extra pieces, please give it an extra go so we don't have to see that.
Update People On Timings
If you're going to be late for something or you're unable to get there, you should let that person or group of people know as soon as possible. Things happen and people will be less mad when you tell the truth instead of flaking on them.
The same rules apply to reserving a table at a restaurant. They might give you a grace period, but there are other people waiting and you need to give them a heads up if you aren't going to make it for the determined time.
Don't Ask Someone About Their Weight
Unless you have already planned with the person to talk about such things, you probably shouldn't be asking someone about their weight. It doesn't matter if they gained it or lost it. People can be very sensitive about their weight and that also extends to people who are losing weight, not just those who are on the heavier side.
You may think that because skinny is what society wants that a skinny person will be fine talking about their weight. The thing is, skinny people are also capable of being ashamed of their lack of weight, so be careful about approaching the topic.
Don't Go Overboard On Pricey Items On Someone Else's Card
If you've gone out for a night at the bar or a nice dinner and someone has offered to pay for you beforehand, avoid getting anything that's too pricey or more expensive than what they're getting.
You can't exactly ask what their price range is and how much they can spend, so try to look for something on the cheaper side. They offered to pay for you, but that doesn't mean they're ready to pay hundreds on you.
Don't Touch A Pregnant Ladies Stomach
There's something about pregnant ladies that just attract attention. It's definitely the life growing inside them, but that's beside the point. Unless you have their permission you should not be reaching your hand out there.
Just as parents are protective of their children, pregnant women are protective of their unborn children. They're also especially hyperaware of pretecting their stomachs from any trauma, so reaching for it without asking can be a really terrible idea.
Don't Accost Exhausted People
If you see that someone's really exhausted and ready to go take a break or a nap, don't attack them with all of your questions and comments. They're not going to be helpful.
People don't want to have to deal with all of your problems when their own are already wearing them down so much. Besides, if they can't help themselves right now, they sure aren't going to be able to help you.
Don't Show Up Uninvited
We don't know why you would think it's okay to just show up whenever you want. Unless you've previously agreed on this type of behavior, it's just more of a burden than anything else.
Sometimes people are going to be busy and it's disruptive and rude to expect them to entertain you and humor your antics. People want to know how much time they have so they can prepare for your arrival.
Stand Back At Transport Hubs
There's nothing more annoying than trying to get off at your stop and being pushed back in by a crowd of people. If you're about to board a train or bus pr whatever else, let people off before you get on.
Everyone will be able to get on or off, but not if you complicate things. Not to mention it's just safer to keep your space from where the vehicle is coming from. Plese respect your fellow passengers.
Don't Blast Music While Hiking
Hiking is an awesome activity that anyone can enjoy at any variety of difficulties. Being out in nature is one of the most freeing and relaxing things that anyone can do with their spare time.
That's why when you go out and do it you don't want to spoil anyone else's experience. You sure as heck would hate it if they ruined yours. Try bringing some headphones the next time you go out.
Don't Snoop Through People's Photos
If you are handed a phone to look at a picture, don't go swiping sideways through the gallery. It's like an invasion of privacy and the trust we share giving you the phone is completely shattered.
It's not even about there being anything inappropriate, it's just there's no way to provide a single photo without accessing everything else and if we have embarrasing selfies on there we trust you won't go checking them out.
Check In Before Venting
If you need to talk to someone about something really deep or personal, you should probably check with them to see that they're in a good place to help you emotionally. You don't know what's going on in other people's heads.
If you need someone to be there for you, you probably want them to be capable of giving you that support. It's not wrong to ask someone if they can talk about it with you. Some people have baggage that they aren't ready to share and you don't want your problems to trigger theirs. That's just being a bad friend.
Don't Give People Unsolicited Advice
If you're with a friend and they want your opinion, by all means, tell them whatever you feel like you should. But if they didn't ask, you should probably try to keep your mouth shut.
You wouldn't want someone yucking your yum or telling you that they don't like something that you do happen to like. If you weren't being asked or spoken to, you should try to keep what you think to yourself.
Personal Space
Even if we weren't in the middle of a pandemic, you should be keeping yourself spaced out from other people. There's nothing more uncomfortable than someone you don't know breathing down your neck.
You wouldn't want someone doing that to you, so don't go getting up in other people's grills. And if that is something you want someone to be doing, then maybe it's time you rethink your morals.
Don't Ask If Someone's Pregnant
Wow, this is one is just ready for a fight. If you ask someone if they're pregnant and they're not, that's basically telling them that they're fat and we all know how well that one goes with people.
Even if they really are pregnant and you know that they are you shouldn't be asking. Firstly, because if you already know why are you asking? Secondly, it's just always better for them to mention it themselves so you don't say anything stupid.
Escalator Etiquette
If you're using the escalator and you don't want to walk up them, you should stand to the right. This way, the people who have somewhere to be can get past you by using the left-hand side.
Escalators are definitely a convenient luxury and it's nice to not have to put a little work climbing a while flight of stairs all the time. That being said, you're in public and you need to respect the people around you. That is unless you have one in your home, which would be nuts.
Last One To Bed Turns Off The Lights
This is more of a house rule than anything else, but it's one that pretty much everyone can agree on. Scratch that, everyone will agree because otherwise people will turn the lights off on you.
If you're the last one to bed then it's your responsibility to turn off all the lights. Everyone who's already asleep isn't going to do it and no one wants their electricity bill to skyrocket from these bad habits.
Don't Litter
This is one that we can't stress enough. We live in a day and age where we really have to worry about our environment and what we're doing to it. You need to do your part and not contribute to the waste problem.
And while it may be really important to keep the environment clean so we can keep living on this planet, it's also important to remember that it's just in general disgusting. Garbage stinks and stepping in it is even worse.
Don't Invade People's Privacy
Don't look over someone's shoulder to try to read what they're typing or what they're reading on their phone or computer. It could be sensitive information that they don't want you reading.
This also kind of comes back to personal space. Keep your distance. If someone wants you to see what they're doing, they'll show you. You could also just ask what they're doing.
Don't Force Others To Smile
If you don't like the expression on someone's face, too bad. It's not up to you to decide whether or not someone puts on a smile. You don't know what they've been through or what they're feeling.
That goes the same for someone who's depressed. You can't tell them to "just smile"; it doesn't work that way. You don't want to end up making someone feel worse than they already do and it's just not your business anyway to tell them what to do.
Keep Your Eyes On The Road
We can't believe we have to say this, but keep your eyes on the road at all times! Driving is not the time to be using your phone. There's all sorts of technology now that lets you be hands-free on your phone while driving.
And no, even if you're at a stoplight, it is not safe to take your eyes off the road. If something dangerous happens, you're just putting yourself in harm's way. Try getting a voice assistant on your phone or car.
Respect People's Genders
We don't care if you don't believe in someone's gender identity. You don't want us calling you by the wrong name, so you shouldn't be calling someone by the wrong gender pronoun or anything similar.
That being said, if you're someone who has issues with people getting your pronouns right you have to understand that people can and will make mistakes. Respectfully correct people and don't get mad the first few times they mess up.
No Means No
It doesn't matter what you're doing. It doesn't matter if you think it's okay. You're not a mind reader and you can't possibly know what's going on through someone's head at any given moment.
If someone tells you that they are uncomfortable with what you are doing then you have to stop. Period. No arguing, no whining. Just respect that person's wishes and stop.
Don't Force Your Beliefs On Others
No one asked for your opinion (see previous entry) so don't give it to them. You don't have the right to tell people what they should and shouldn't be believing in. That's just abusive and not convincing.
Moreover, there are plenty of religions and cultures that can trace back their history and origins farther than you can, so who's to say that whatever it is you believe in is the truth anyway? Leave it at church.
Be Kind And Polite
No one cares if you're having a bad day (well, maybe someone who is really kind and polite might!). We're not asking you to smile, but don't project your feelings onto other people and strangers.
It's really not that hard to be nice to someone even if you're in a bad mood. If you're well enough to go out and go on about your day, then you're well enough to treat people with the respect that they deserve.
Take Gum When Offered
If someone offers you gum or a breath mint (especially if it's mint flavoured), it's probably them giving you a subtle hint that your breath stinks. Go ahead and take the gum, we know you want it.
Also, don't try to store it for later, eat it on the spot. Your breath is probably a bit offensive and other people are going to start making worse comments to you. Even if you chew it for just a few minutes it's already better than before.