ADVERTISEMENT

In my home, it is impossible to pass by the cat without giving his head a little kiss. It’s also illegal to use a loud alarm in the morning when you can simply use the vibrating function on your smart watch instead. And if you’re taking bottles to the recycling station, the money you receive better go straight towards lottery tickets.

We all have unwritten rules in our households that might not make sense to anyone else. Whether they developed overnight with your partner or they’ve been passed down for generations, we’re talking about the rules that have become reflexes to follow at home.

Reddit users have recently been revealing the unwritten rules that they abide by in their households, so we’ve gathered the most amusing ones below. Enjoy scrolling through, and be sure to upvote the mandates that you wouldn’t mind implementing at home!

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If someone is voluntarily doing a chore, no one shall tell them how to do it differently unless damage is going to be incurred. If unsolicited advice *is* given without the intent to actively roll up sleeves and help, the task then belongs to the giver of the unsolicited advice.

WeirdBogWitch , Polina Tankilevitch Report

Final score:
296points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Replacing the trash bag IS PART OF taking out the trash.

BarbieeBee , Anna Shvets Report

Final score:
245points
Add photo comments
POST
liverpoolroze avatar
Rose the Cook
Rose the Cook
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A rule too often ignored in commercial kitchens. Take out the rubbish but leave replacing the bag for the next shift seems to be the policy.

Vote comment up
23
23points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If you have a cat on your lap and want something from the kitchen someone else has to get it for you. Cat must not be disturbed.

e2323 , Sam Lion Report

Final score:
234points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If you tell me you can’t find something after I’ve told you EXACTLY WHERE IT IS, and I walk over there and find it EXACTLY WHERE I TOLD YOU IT WAS, I get to hit you with it.

Shytemagnet , Liza Summer Report

Final score:
210points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#5

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) The dinner table "Dumb Joke of the Day" rule.

When I was a child my father would tell a dumb joke at dinner every night. It was probably one of my best memories from an otherwise plain vanilla WASP suburbs childhood.

I did the same with my kids. Then when the internet was becoming more of a popular resource, I tasked each of my kids to take turns bringing a really dumb joke. It truly made dinner fun, because jokes are like potatoe chips - You can't have just one. :-)
And dumb jokes are frequently very funny in their own unique way.

Now many decades later these jokes have become a highlight of family gatherings as my adult children recall their favorites from the past 35 years.
They too do it with their kids!

They also still text me stupid jokes when they find them. It keeps them in touch in a nice way.

Goofy, but it really worked well in a huge way for us.

Airplade , Askar Abayev Report

Final score:
200points
Add photo comments
POST
barrylittle avatar
Phantom Phoenix
Phantom Phoenix
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No-one has ever managed to weigh a rainbow, but we all know they're pretty light

Vote comment up
103
103points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#6

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If a cat meows at you, you meow back. It's impolite not to answer.

Leeloo_Len , Susanna Marsiglia Report

Final score:
184points
Add photo comments
POST
saraheubanks10 avatar
Sarah
Sarah
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Neighbor caught me barking back at his dogs. I just shrugged and continued on my way,

Vote comment up
54
54points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

If you are going to use the kitchen tongs you must perform an OSHA approved test click to ensure that they are functional.

regular6drunk7 Report

Final score:
157points
Add photo comments
POST
nathbp1 avatar
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have to double click tongs in order to switch them on. Activated tongs have 50% more tong efficiency.

Vote comment up
114
114points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Either my wife or I can do any chore when noticed. We thank each other for routine chores as we appreciate each other.

BloossomCandyy , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:
151points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Bandit, our aged Great Dane, gets the cushion on the far right of the orange couch. No exceptions, no asking him to move, that’s his spot.

austingt316 , George Pagan III Report

Final score:
148points
Add photo comments
POST
magicunicorntrainer569 avatar
Darth Kittius
Darth Kittius
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Charli, my German shepherd/golden retriever mix, gets the ottoman. She is just a little baby

Vote comment up
28
28points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Where do you want to go for dinner? How about place A? If you say no, then you have to suggest another place. You can't just shoot down all the ideas.

Crazy-4-Conures Report

Final score:
142points
Add photo comments
POST
laura_ketteridge avatar
arthbach
arthbach
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A useful way to deal with this is the first person suggests three places to eat. The second decides from amongst those three. If they don't want any of them, they have to make three suggestions. This works with choosing DVDs to watch, but without the requirement of eating them.

Vote comment up
6
6points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) When someone shows you the eggs the chickens laid today, you mist admire them and say ‘eggknowledged’.

Tinyfishy , Tabitha Favor Report

Final score:
141points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) We mute all tv commercials.

sixsmalldogs , JESHOOTS.com Report

Final score:
139points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

I (29f) live with three grown men (my partner and two roomies) and I guess ours is that no matter what happens the ship shall not sink. WiFi bill is due, who has the most money rn/is available to pay it. Dishes need to be done, who has the day off or has the energy to manage it. We all feed each other's pets, water each others plants 🤷 and there's a huge amount of emotional permanence. We can confront one another about any issue cordially and have discussion. There's almost never any yelling or hostility or pettiness.

ouijabored621 Report

Final score:
137points
Add photo comments
POST
lyone_fein avatar
Lyone Fein
Lyone Fein
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. A system like this only works if there is a pretty equitable distribution of everyone picking up those loose ends. If things get out of balance for a while, it can lead to a lot of resentment. I admire people who can make it work.

Vote comment up
83
83points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Wash your hands upon getting home. The outside world be nasty.

purpleplazas , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:
126points
Add photo comments
POST
c_devine avatar
Seedy Vine
Seedy Vine
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wash my face when I get home too. Germs are crawling all over it! I get way fewer colds and flus ever since I started doing this.

Vote comment up
6
6points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Sometimes, my cat will carry a ball toy into the room and meow loudly. As soon as she drops the ball, every human in the house must clap and go "Yaaayy!!" It is law.

bispecsual , Hanna Report

Final score:
126points
Add photo comments
POST
jennikeestra avatar
Jennik
Jennik
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my cats does this several times during the night with her catnip mice - gratitude for being allowed to sleep on the bed (it used to be off-limits but she's scared of loud rain...). If I don't say thank you enough times (possibly because I'm ASLEEP) she drops the slightly damp toy onto my face and pokes me a few times. I live in fear of the time she brings me a live mouse. Or a weta (shudder).

Vote comment up
37
37points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) When I was a kid, we had the "Bernie" rule. Whoever had the worst manners at dinner was "Bernie" (short for St. Bernard like the big messy dog) and had to do the dishes.

One time my brother farted at the table and my dad proclaimed, "You are Bernie. Nobody can take that from you tonight." So I decided to test that proclamation. I proceeded to put my feet on the table, and that night I learned that there could actually be *two* Bernies and we both had to clean the kitchen.

Diiiiirty , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:
118points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Do not touch the cat. If she comes to you, fine. But do not walk over to her or chase her. She's old and the cat has enough trauma from just existing. 


Not that anything bad has happened to her. She's just one if those cats that's extremely slow to trust and moving too fast gives her Vietnam flashbacks. .

Embarrassed_Ad7740 Report

Final score:
115points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Toilet lid ALWAYS CLOSED. (Except in use of course). Keeps the dogs and cats from drinking out of it.

IndianaBandMom Report

Final score:
111points
Add photo comments
POST
petersublett avatar
MushroomHead22
MushroomHead22
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also prevents all the bacteria from the inside of the toilet bowl from splashing all through the air in the bathroom (which should be the real reason you keep it closed. clean toilet water for the dog is OK).

Vote comment up
30
30points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Everyone at home must instantly drop what they are doing and run to the kitchen when groceries arrive. One person to help empty the car and everyone else starts putting stuff away. A text will be sent when the driver is close to home- all hands on deck!

Noninvasive_ Report

Final score:
111points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Cleaning the kitchen means you wash the counters and stove too as well as washing the dishes that don’t fit in the dishwasher. Loading the dishwasher is not a “clean kitchen”.

aleethiede Report

Final score:
105points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

I guess ours is everyone eats. If it’s meal or snack time, and we have visitors, they’re offered a plate. We don’t ask them to leave or eat in front of them. When I was growing up, my dad went to the mountains to work M-F. My mother then left M-F as well (to the bar, d**g den or whatever). I was so lonely, I’d try to hang at the neighbors. They would send me home at meal time knowing I had no food, and no parents. This was the late 70s- early 80s. If we don’t have enough, everyone eats less.

Present_Basis_1353 Report

Final score:
99points
Add photo comments
POST
jacquihowe avatar
Spencer's slave no longer
Spencer's slave no longer
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the same "rule" in my house, it's something I grew up with and my adult kids do it too. I also have another for all those "extra" kids, now adults, who can just pop in at random " if you're hungry, you know where the kitchen is" and I'll let them know if there's anything I don't want them to have.

Vote comment up
38
38points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) My husband and I have a large mug that says “as I suspected I was right all along”. When one of us has an “I told you so moment” the other says “you get the mug tonight”. We love the laughs we have when one of us turns the corner with that big a*s mug lookin smug while the other has a regular “pity” mug haha.

TheEggieQueen , Away-String7572 Report

Final score:
95points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#23

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If you get ice from the freezer for whatever reason, you must pay the ice tax to the dogs.

Famous_Excuse4803 , Vidit Goswami Report

Final score:
95points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) No sound on when using a device, phone / iPad etc, in the living room.

No exceptions. Visitors included. Both of our Mum’s are the most flagrant breakers of the rule and get a lot of stick from our kids (teens and older) when they do.

bungle_bogs , Sam Lion Report

Final score:
93points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) When you use the last paper towel from the roll you have to take the cardboard tube and yell “do-ta-do” in it and then give it to the dog when he comes running so he can shred it!

KelMel8417 , lungstruck Report

Final score:
92points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) The loud noise and I’m ok rules.

If you know you’re going to make a loud noise, say dropping a heavy bag down the stairs you had to yell “loud noise” to warn everyone that the noise was coming and planned

If you made a loud noise unplanned you had to yell “I’m OK” so no one came running or did come running I’d you were NOT ok. Side note this rule was created when grandpa dropped a toilet on his finger.

LeopardSpotDesign , Anna Tarazevich Report

Final score:
90points
Add photo comments
POST
editor_16 avatar
Sue Denham
Sue Denham
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

". . . when grandpa dropped a toilet on his finger,". I feel there is a story here.

Vote comment up
53
53points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#27

If the cat stretches or yawns, you must say “ohhh big stretch/yawn”.

inkyblackops Report

Final score:
87points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

I don’t allow anyone, family or friends to wash dishes if I invite them to dinner. Best believe it’s because I’m gonna not wash a thing at their homes. Too many times the women are cleaning up while the men hang out.

DubsAnd49ers Report

Final score:
86points
Add photo comments
POST
poisonivy0748 avatar
Boo
Boo
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used to host a big family Xmas dinner. I would cook everything. The first year, after dinner I went to do dishes (by hand as we don't have a dishwasher and the kitchen was a bomb site lol) and clean up, my hubs and father-in-law got to the kitchen first and shoo'ed me out and did it. Every year after, it was always the same....."you spent the time cooking and baking, we clean up". RIP Bob, we miss you xx

Vote comment up
75
75points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) When removing eggs from the carton, all remaining eggs must be arranged symmetrically. A pattern is preferred.

chachfinley , Leeloo The First Report

Final score:
85points
Add photo comments
POST
david2074 avatar
David
David
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Picture is wrong. Arrange the eggs in the middle of the container. It's not 'cuz OCD'. It's because leaving them at one end makes the weight off balance. I've seen folks drop the carton because it surprised them all the weight was on one end and they were not holding on tight enough.

Vote comment up
3
3points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) For us, the dog gets greeted before any human. no exceptions.

Inevitable_Kick_5014 , Samson Katt Report

Final score:
84points
Add photo comments
POST
daya-meyer avatar
Daya Meyer
Daya Meyer
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be honest, the dog is faster than anyone wiggling through legs and feet so the right to be greeted first is well earned.

Vote comment up
34
34points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) When you’re sitting down and you’ve misplaced something small (phone, remote control, etc.) you must get up and check under your butt before asking anyone else if they’ve seen the thing.

raccoonhippopotamus , Steve Johnson Report

Final score:
71points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#32

You have to choose the topic of your fortune cookie before you read it. "this is about my new job" many a big life decision has been made this way.

Inside spiders are named Franklin. Outside spiders are named Fronklin. They are all good boys.

wyomingtrashbag Report

Final score:
69points
Add photo comments
POST
laugh avatar
Laugh or not
Laugh or not
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spiders are named Linda. Except the ones in the bedroom. Those ones are called suicidal.

Vote comment up
35
35points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) No big light.

labyrinthofbananas , Skylar Kang Report

Final score:
66points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) So growing up, there were the “better” seats in the living room. And if you had one, and got up, someone would likely grab it. So my siblings and I used to do this thing where we would say “X Save” and even draw out the imaginary X on the seat. But one day my brother pretended he had a fake eraser and erased the fake X. And took the comfy seat. So now we say, “X Save No Erase.” And til this day, it’s just very natural thing to do/say, when we are together

It has also passed on to the youngest generation. But oddly, we only do it at my moms house. And we have longtime friends who even do it when they come over. I know it is funny, especially to outsiders. But it seems just so natural to all of us now that we hardly even notice we do it.

Here we are, we’ll into adulthood. And on holidays, we are watching like hawks to see if someone gets up and forgets to say it. Which rarely happens. And there are plenty of seats. At this point, it’s more of a game.

Traditional_Age_6299 , Julia M Cameron Report

Final score:
65points
Add photo comments
POST
jimcastelot avatar
Jay C.
Jay C.
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used to always call out "Fives" which meant that seat was reserved for 5 minutes, after which it could be taken. you needed to call it before standing up and always needed to make sure you had witnesses because someone would always claim "I didn't hear it!"

Vote comment up
14
14points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#35

REPLENISH!! Chilled drinks- if you take the last of a drink category from the fridge (soda, beer, snapple, sparking water), you must add more. Demonstrate courtesy for those who come after you.

Comfortable-Worry-84 Report

Final score:
62points
Add photo comments
POST
glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Papa
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not add more when there are several left? That way there is always a cold one available.

Vote comment up
12
12points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Pet the bunny and give him a treat before you proceed.

Its his rule actually. He's very old so I let him go.

lagomorphed Report

Final score:
61points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

If you fail to check for toilet paper before sitting down to number two, I will get it for you, but it will be thrown through the door as hard as humanly possible. Multiple rolls, Ideally at your head.

My kids now do this to each other too. I smile inside every time I hear screams from the toilet downstairs.

I hope it becomes a tradition handed down over many generations.

blamedolphin Report

Final score:
59points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

The dog gets a seat at the table. After my grandad died, it was hard to see it empty. She saw her chance and took it, and now it’s officially her seat.

corpsebride97 Report

Final score:
57points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) In our household, the unwritten rule is that you must perform a full interpretive dance routine to earn the right to use the TV remote. It keeps the peace and provides nightly entertainment.

Purplepunkkk , RDNE Stock project Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

If your turning on a light in a dark room that has an inhabitant you say “1 2 3 bright light” so the person can cover their eyes or prepare for the shock of light.

magicunicornhandler Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
englishwill67 avatar
Spidercat
Spidercat
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a comment on this post specifically but can I just say that the proliferation of 'Your' when the intended meaning is 'You're' has become so problematic, I'm starting to think it's a plot to destroy the English language.

Vote comment up
2
2points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

If there is a fresh cardboard box on the house, one of the cats can claim it, like targaeryans claiming dragons.

zelipe2 Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
catchat avatar
Cat Chat
Cat Chat
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CatCat and my youngest fight each other for every Amazon box. She likes to do crafts with them. Sometimes it's all out war.

Vote comment up
14
14points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#42

If anyone arrives home from an evening out later than they said they would, that person has to come in bearing snacks.

millionthcustomer Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
klaverack avatar
Doozle bug
Doozle bug
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep the noise down if you are coming home with company. Leave the porch light on if your roomies are out at night.

Vote comment up
3
3points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Cooks don’t clean.

Bungeesmom Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Papa
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't do this at my house. I like to clean as I go, but the kitchen looks like a war zone after my wife makes a sandwich.

Vote comment up
5
5points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

If you are doing the ironing, control of the tv remote is yours for the duration. Watch whatever you want.

oneless99 Report

Final score:
53points
Add photo comments
POST
saraheubanks10 avatar
Sarah
Sarah
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my house we're not allowed to purchase anything that needs ironing, dry cleaning, hand washing, or laying flat to drying.

Vote comment up
42
42points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

If you take the last piece of food you have to wash the dish. This has left my brother to leaving 1 blueberry in the bowl, half a slice of pizza crust, and many more war crime activity .

AfgAzi Report

Final score:
51points
Add photo comments
POST
laura_ketteridge avatar
arthbach
arthbach
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother tried this, and was roundly castigated by my Mam. He learned very quickly not to be an arsé.

Vote comment up
14
14points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

No trash goes in the bathroom trash can. That is, just tissues or wrappers q tips and such. No big stuff like packages, food, anything wet or sticky.

pronouncedayayron Report

Final score:
51points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#47

If one of the toddlers asks for knuckles (fist bump), you give knuckles.

We rinse sauces/dips off of the plate before setting it in the sink

If you see something on the floor pick it up and throw it away or put it where it goes

Mom (me) will not go into the children’s bedrooms to retrieve laundry. If you are big enough to dress yourself, you are big enough to make sure it goes into the hamper. If it is not in the hamper before bed it will not get washed that day.

hotmama1230 Report

Final score:
43points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

If you go poop in the toilet, the toilet seat and lid must be closed before you flush.

ziplocholmes Report

Final score:
37points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Winner of a board game is charged with putting said game away.

cszack4_ , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:
36points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If an item in the kitchen has not been opened, YOU MAY NOT OPEN THAT ITEM. Only the person who purchase the milk, Oreos, pasta, cheese, &c may open the item. So ingrained to us as adults I am immediately alarmed seeing someone open things they did not purchase, and born out of years of my folks carefully crafting grocery lists and planning meals only to find the chips for nachos night have long since gone stale, the cream for potato soup is gone, and our lasagna will be mozzerellaless courtesy of the no-mercy children snacks.

Edit to add: once an item has been opened, it is now deemed to have served its purpose and is fair game to all.

brose_af , RDNE Stock project Report

Final score:
33points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#51

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) Have you found the body?

My sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and myself are avid readers. Our guilty pleasure are detective novels. We often get them gifted, by each other and others, buy them and trade them among ourselves.
The Body Rule - any detective book, started by any one of us, is free game if the reader has not yet gotten to the part where a body is found.
So if I am visiting my mom and she has a new book started, I ask if she has found the body yet. If not, I can also start reading it and if I get to the body first, I have the priority now and can take the book home.

We have polished off the rules during the years:

- Reading can't take priority over things that need to be done. We catch up, eat, help with chores, etc. You can only read if you are free, waiting for someone etc.
- You can't hide the book, it needs to be accessible for everyone.
- You can't take the book from someone who is reading, just because you had it first. You need a legit excuse to distract the person.
- You can't take it with you to the bathroom.
- Missing people don't count.
- Encountered body parts don't count if the victim has a chance of survival (leg - no body, head counts as body).
- Depiction of the murder doesn't count until the body is found by someone else.
- Absolutely no spoilers at any time.

vanillaskyr , Rahul Shah Report

Final score:
19points
Add photo comments
POST
bobbrooce_1 avatar
Bob Brooce
Bob Brooce
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an avid reader I don't understand how any serious reader can willingly allow others to take a book you're not finished with yet.

Vote comment up
9
9points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#52

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) This is at my mom's place. If you are wearing long sleeve shirts you are exempt from doing the dishes.

mouaragon , Vie Studio Report

Final score:
15points
Add photo comments
POST
catchat avatar
Cat Chat
Cat Chat
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is mom always buying me short sleeved shirts? - OP probably

Vote comment up
13
13points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#53

The toilet paper has to be hidden in the cupboard. Cannot be left out. The cat will just destroy it. In seconds.

allthecatsforevr Report

Final score:
14points
Add photo comments
POST
bobbrooce_1 avatar
Bob Brooce
Bob Brooce
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We still keep the roll that's in use on a peg about 3' above the seat because we once had a dog that liked the cardboard tubes and discovered that he could extract one from a roll of TP instead of waiting for us to give him one.

Vote comment up
7
7points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#54

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) When we don’t feel like cleaning the kitchen entirely after dinner or we leave junk in the living room, whatever the case may be, we’re obligated to declare “who closed last night!?” And then we blame it on the baby.

RoboNikki , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:
13points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

The dining table is for special occasions.

We just sit in the living room with trays on our laps to eat food.

Jimmyqueens2 Report

Final score:
13points
Add photo comments
POST
iamnichole091986 avatar
Nichole Harris
Nichole Harris
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same except we usually eat in bed.... It's the only room we can afford to heat/cool

Vote comment up
1
1point
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#56

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Household That Would Seem Bizarre To Outsiders?” (50 Answers) If someone drops something everyone else has to tell them “you dropped something” so they know you know.

Also. If someone walks into something: “there’s something there”.

redcoat , Pixabay Report

Final score:
12points
Add photo comments
POST
pamelatapia avatar
BunnyMommy
BunnyMommy
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bump into walls and door jams, I say, "Who put that there?".

Vote comment up
9
9points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#57

**Principle of bus pants**

If your clothes (pants or top) have touched something from the outside world (may it be seats of public transportation, seats of a restaurant, waiting rooms, what ever) you are **not allowed** to wear them at home. You must change to your *couch pants* (i.e. home wear) to be allowed to sit on the couch.

Of course this only applies to household members, so guests are excluded by this rule.

Ahhh, and take your f****n shoes off, before entering our home, lol. This applies to everyone. Absolutely no exceptions.

ellokah Report

Final score:
11points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#58

Don't put s**t in the left side of the sink.

DragonflyFairyQueen Report

Final score:
9points
Add photo comments
POST
daya-meyer avatar
Daya Meyer
Daya Meyer
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't put s**t anywhere except the toilet? I think I am misunderstanding something here.

Vote comment up
11
11points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#59

The house must be “aired out” every day, even in the dead of winter. My mum would always ask us to open our bedroom windows during the day. We’d then close them in the evening to heat the house if it was cold. But during the day windows open, and often the ranchslider in the lounge as well.

I still do it now when I live in my own little place. My kitchen and bathroom windows are always partially open, even overnight, and my bedroom ones get open during the day and closed at night so I can run the heat pump.

MarsupialNo1220 Report

Final score:
9points
Add photo comments
POST
acey-ace16 avatar
Ace
Ace
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can only assume this is in a warm climate. The amount of energy wasted otherwise. Try doing that when it's regularly -10C outside through the winter months.

Vote comment up
6
6points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#60

Three,

1. Nacho tax. When dad makes kids food, he gets one decent bite of the food. Not the best or epic bite, but a solid representation of that food.

2. The last chocolate chip cookie is dad's. The last peanut butter filled pretzel bite was younger daughter's. All other foods, no reservations.

3. When kids came to spend the night, I'd make pancakes in the shape of the first letter of their name. Payment for first pancake is that they must commit to either pulp or non pulp OJ, and their name and preference recorded on a list taped to the inside of a cabinet for posterity.

My kids are all grown now, and I've moved, but still have the OJ list and ~18 years worth of data. It's 50/50.

CriscoCamping Report

Final score:
9points
Add photo comments
POST
kirstin-peter avatar
Shark Lady
Shark Lady
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad had his own cereal, marmalade, chocolate biscuits, sweets, ice-creams and fizzy drinks. No one was allowed to even touch them.

Vote comment up
1
1point
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#61

When my husband says “sloppy joes” we all respond, “are meant to be sloppy.” bc we are absolute idiots. It’s funny to us 🤷‍♀️.

ConfusionFuture Report

Final score:
9points
Add photo comments
POST
tenrec-12 avatar
Bookworm
Bookworm
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our sloppy joe 'rule' was that you had to squish down the center of the top half of your bun, then fill the bun upside down, so the meat doesn't spill out everywhere.

Vote comment up
2
2points
Vote comment down
reply
#62

There’s a bathroom only my grandma uses. You ask which bathroom is the guest bathroom every time she moves. If she hasn’t moved and you’ve forgotten which bathroom is the guest bathroom you’re expected to ask for a reminder. People have been banned from her house over it. There’s never been anything worth stealing before so we don’t know what she expects.

gothiclg Report

Final score:
7points
Add photo comments
POST
beab_ avatar
Bat cat in a hat
Bat cat in a hat
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, but how many times she moved and how many bathrooms she has that you forget which one is the guest bathroom?

Vote comment up
5
5points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#63

There is one ice cream parlor we don’t take anyone else to. That would be cheating.

GingerSuperPower Report

Final score:
6points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#64

No six letter words.

Four letter words are bad, sure. S**t, f**k, damn, hell. But six letter words are much, much worse.

Starting with "stupid" .. think about it. You drop a glass in front of your mom and you say "s**t" .. not great, but not gonna ruin your day.

But think about calling your mom or dad "stupid" .. oof.

Then there's "shutup" .. that's actually a really bad one.

And they only get worse from there. All the slurs are six letter words. And slurs are way worse than cuss words.

So our household rule is, no six letter words.

johnwalkersbeard Report

Final score:
5points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#65

No sweeping or mopping after sunset.

No whistling at night.

No cutting your nails after sunset.

No cutting your hair after sunset.

This one is for me and me alone but no sleeping with any wardrobe doors open.

dryintentions Report

Final score:
-2points
Add photo comments
POST
laura_ketteridge avatar
arthbach
arthbach
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 'after sunset' rules were sensible when these tasks were done by candle or lantern light. It would be easy to have an accident, and before antibiotics, simple cuts could become life threatening. Far better to cut hair and nails in good light. But we have electric lights now, as well as antibiotics. The danger is no longer there.

Vote comment up
7
7points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#66

Everyone gets laid on prom night (just for the adults). My hubby and I both work at (different) high schools, so we still have prom every year. At first, it started out as a joke, but now it's the rule.

motormouth08 Report

Final score:
-6points
Add photo comments
POST
bobbrooce_1 avatar
Bob Brooce
Bob Brooce
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must be interesting if you have people staying over on prom night.

Vote comment up
4
4points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!