ADVERTISEMENT

There are a lot of etiquette rules that people have to follow in order to prove themselves to be polite and respectful individuals. We learn those things from family members, teachers, and other people. However, not everyone likes to apply these rules or they simply don’t know about them and this might annoy some of those who find these things to be common knowledge. Having this in mind, one Reddit user @HAXposed asked others online what are some of the unspoken rules that people tend to break that annoy them.

The question that received 47.5k upvotes received various answers, stating that sometimes people forget to say thank you or talk with a full mouth of food, they like to listen to music loudly or have someone on speakerphone without the other caller knowing. These are only a few things that Reddit users find annoying and rude.

What other unspoken rules can you add to this list? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit

#1

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules If you see me taking off my headphones to listen and answer your question, then inmediately put them on again... 5 TIMES... it clearly means that I'm just being polite, not that I'm interested in talking to you, so STOP ASKING ME QUESTIONS.

V02D , Jeremy Segrott Report

#2

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules That it's common courtesy to say "thank you" after receiving help/service from someone else.

Eros_M_Novan , bigbirdz Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine! I even say please and thank you to our Alexa. It's just a habit.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules If someone says they’re not drinking tonight, don’t make them feel bad or imply they are being boring

slowent , Marie Michaux Report

Even though there are a lot of things that we might think are common knowledge, everyone came from different backgrounds and families and was taught different things and encountered different situations in life. One can only envy a person who seems to always know how to act, what to say, or how to avoid any awkward situations or putting themselves in an embarrassing position. The question is, can we learn these rules? Yes, and there are some people who are great at mastering the art of etiquette. One of them is Diane Gottsman, an international etiquette expert, author and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. For those who are interested in finding some more tips and tricks on etiquette, the woman shares them on her social media. Bored Panda contacted the expert to find out more on the matter.

ADVERTISEMENT


#4

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Asking couples when they’re going to be having kids. Not every couple wants/can have kids

SwaggyJ59 , Eric Lewis Report

Add photo comments
POST
Alexia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! And you never know what traumas you may reopen. Maybe they've been trying for years, maybe they have health issues, or had a miscarriage. Whatever it is, it's none of your business.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Standing in f**king doorways, go in or out, but get the f**k out of the way.

Lonesomeplum , Vladimer Shioshvili Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rose Romano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about the people who get off an escalator and stand right in front of the step? They're not only rude but they're dangerous.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Don’t ask people to do their job for free, even if you’re friends or family.

Inkoko , Gunnar Wrobel Report

Many might agree that the way a person behaves in front of others means a lot and allows others to form an opinion about that person. But do we pay enough attention to how we behave in front of others, in public places, and at home? Gottsman explained that “it is natural that people will feel more relaxed when they are in the company of those they are most comfortable with. When you’re at home, by yourself, if you pick a green bean up off your plate, it’s not as egregious as when you do the same thing in front of a client or on a job interview.” The woman concluded by stating that “people are conscious of how others perceive them and are always trying to put their best foot forward when possible. Sometimes, they just aren’t aware of how to do it.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Turn signals. They're meant to be a warning, not an afterthought

maxanne42069 , Greg Gjerdingen Report

#8

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Don’t play music out loud from your mobile phones on public transportation. I get that you’re going to have a boring ride but don’t ruin everyone else’s.

AJSK18 , Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York Report

Add photo comments
POST
A Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bring head/ear phones folks. I do, and it's not hard to pocket them. smh

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Move your cart to the side of the aisle when looking for groceries, don't hog up the middle. "Oh, of course I'll wait for you to pick out a flavor of beans, Sharon, take your time!"

Electrical_Potato_21 , Polycart Report

Add photo comments
POST
Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just blocking up the aisle to have a chat with Maureen who you haven't seen since Bridge Club last night. LAST NIGHT. You saw her last night. Nothing has happened since then, please get out of the way.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The good thing is that people are ready to learn and change. The etiquette expert revealed that during her work with university students and corporate CEOs, she noticed how much effort her students put into learning and doing their best. “It takes training. We are not born with social skills and norms and customs are different in different cultures and it’s important to be familiar.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Having in mind the recent situation the whole world has had to face, Gottsman agreed that the pandemic had an impact on people’s behavior. Even though little by little, the world is trying to get back to normal, it still “feels awkward.” The woman stressed that “our greetings have changed and many social behaviors that were once excepted have now been put on hold to keep ourselves and others healthy. We have to relearn our social skills and be aware of other peoples awkward moments.”

#10

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules eating with your mouth closed

icy__lemonade , Georgi Todorov Report

#11

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules You don't need to attach yourself to the person in front of you when standing in queue

postmodern-nerd , Lars Plougmann Report

#12

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Stand 2m back from the airport baggage carousel. If everyone does it, then enters that ring to grab their luggage and leave, then everyone can see their luggage as it comes and no one is jostling.

It never occurred to me until I traveled in South Korea and they had a white line around the carousel that everyone stood on. It was remarkably efficient and I wish the rest of the world adopted it.

JoyKil01 , David McKelvey Report

Add photo comments
POST
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have a similar line in the UK. It seems to work most of the time.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

It might seem that a lot has changed and everyone has been impacted by the suddenly changed global order. What is important to consider, according to the specialist, is that “kindness still matters, and most people are aware that this is an opportunity to show compassion to other human beings.” 

#13

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Let people know when you have them on speakerphone! Especially when your husband/wife/partner/friend/any other human is within earshot.

blueshiftglass , Susanne Nilsson Report

Add photo comments
POST
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, please don't. It is far more fun when I can join in the conversation!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules That leaving your shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot is lazy and just plain rude. I hate finding a parking spot only to realize that there’s a f**king shopping cart already taking up the spot…

bananakittymeow , joey zanotti Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kookamunga
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate this - people are so lazy! I enjoy Cart Narcs on Youtube - they confront these idiots and it's really gratifying. https://www.youtube.com/c/CartNarcs

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Respect people's right to say no. It's okay to ask someone for something, or to do something, or whatever - but if they say no, don't pester them or guilt trip them. People who pressure their friends are kind of garbage friends.

rgrwilcocanuhearme , gabohalili Report

Add photo comments
POST
Linda Lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

During an argument, my boyfriend demanded a yes or no answer, immediately. I said no. He's was like, "What?!" I calmly repeated myself. No, is a complete sentence.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules You shouldn't be texting while driving. That's a given. But for the love of all that is holy, if you are the lead car at a red light PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIGHT. Some lights are short and all of us need to get through it. Update Twitter later.

I take my line leader duty seriously.

DiscombobulatedLuck8 , Tom Driggers Report

Add photo comments
POST
Pezor Zass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

conversely, if you are behind the lead car, don't honk the horn the split second that it turns green.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules When someone hands you their phone to use, don't f**king go through it. It's rude.

Sensitive_Suspect_69 , Cristian Ungureanu Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jef Bateman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do people really do this? Another reason not to let anybody use your phone, I guess.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Waiting for others to exit an elevator or train before entering.

Saying thank you when someone holds a door open.

One-for-one when merging lanes in heavy traffic.

SaM0242 , Sang Valte Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jef Bateman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had someone try to force himself into an elevator while I was leaving. I said, "Out then in." He said, "What?!" I said people get off of the elevator first, then people can go in. He said, "Wow, I didn't know that was a rule. That makes a lot of sense!" I think he was probably more polite after that, although the people who were waiting for him to finish this conversation so they could let the elevator door shut weren't that happy with him.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Waving when someone let's you in, in traffic.

Dot_Threedot4 , Make Lemons Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kookamunga
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always wave! Come on, it's another human in that vehicle. It's a nice thing and hopefully it's paid forward, it's good karma, I mean carma.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Offer a glass of water to anyone providing physically stressful service at your place. Eg. Furniture delivery guy.

Lots of ppl assume that they are just doing their job, bit doesn't mean you forget basic human courtesy

fermi_paradox112358 , Michael Hamann Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, and also offer them a chance to use your bathroom/toilet, because a lot of them never have the opportunity during the day. Especially hard for women drivers who can't just pee in a bottle.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Don’t immediately assume it’s okay to smoke in someone’s house, regardless of their living situation. I don’t care if it’s literally a cardboard box or an upscale mansion. Ask first.

The-Unseelie-Queen , Ian Livesey Report

Add photo comments
POST
T.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People really do this? I'm a smoker myself and if I had a balcony even I wouldn't smoke in my appartment. But since I do, I only do it in the living room, no exceptions.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules If someone is paying for your food, don’t order something expensive.

Emerald_Elf134 , Trysil Report

#23

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Cover your mouth when you sneeze, apparently people don't know this

Ph6r60h , Sarah-Rose Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sneeze into your elbow or down the front of your own shirt/blouse if possible, if you don't have a tissue or something.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules If you're in a theater with plenty of available seats, don't sit right next to a total stranger.

gh0stm4k3r , Alan Cleaver Report

Add photo comments
POST
Pezor Zass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

there's a mens room rule like this, too. at an open bank of urinals, don't pick the one right next to someone else. you're there to pee, not chit chat.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

If you aren't friends with someone anymore, it doesn't mean you can go around telling their secrets to everyone. "Secrets are secrets and under no condition shall they be broken."

It's truly disgusting to see how people don't realize this. It's basic knowledge you should know though it hasn't been made as an actual rule.

Kiwi__Offended Report

#26

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Warn people that you/your kid is sick before turning up at their house/interacting with them. Chicken pox, flu, hand foot and mouth, stomach bug all caught by my toddler in the last 12months and could have been avoided.

Medium-Raspberry1122 , Bob McGrath Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We can learn something from Asian culture here where they go everywhere with mask when sick, long before covid

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules If someone pays for something for you (I'm not talking about as a gift, I just mean 'We can't split the bill here so I'll pay and you can pay me your half later', 'I'll buy both of our concert tickets now and you can revolut me for it later', etc) you really shouldn't make them ask you to pay them back. Ideally not even once, but especially not two or three times.

If I owe someone money like that I make sure to pay them back as soon as I can and let them know once I've done it. I have a friend who I know is not short on money, but I stopped offering to pay for things for him in situations like the above because he just forgets and makes you ask him two or even three times before he does it. I really think that's not fair to people. You're putting them in an uncomfortable position.

ladyblithe , Rex Roof Report

Add photo comments
POST
greenbean
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like it was said in the beginning, it wasnt about gifts - so why would you expect people to treat this arrangement as a gift. Sorry, I disagree. Also, tts clearly not a loan, meaning the other person is short of money, but just arrangement for convenience.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#28

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Bathroom door closed = "occupied."

Bathroom door open wide = "available."

Bathroom door slightly ajar with exhaust fan running = "enter at your own risk."

HW-BTW , Urbane Apartments Report

Add photo comments
POST
Shelp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Conversely: don't enter the bathroom immediately after someone left it if they did with a culprit look and their eyes look like they are begging you not to

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Hold the door open for the person behind you if they are close, atleast long enough to prevent the door from being slammed shut on their face.

howwouldiknow-- , Juan Pablo Lauriente Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kookamunga
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And say thank you or you're welcome. If I hold a door for you, and you don't say anything, I just say "You're Welcome!" so they hear me. Basic civilities and manners, people!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

If you’re out at a restaurant/party/event with someone don’t offer any criticisms about their appearance unless they can actually change it.

“Oh thank you for pointing out the spot I missed shaving. I’ll just spend the rest of the night thinking about it and how I can do nothing about it.”

stupidinanecomments Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kookamunga
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the other hand, please tell someone that they have something amiss with themselves. If I see a someone with toilet paper on their shoe, zipper is down, exposed nipple, toupee is coming off, whatever; I will always quietly let them know. I'd rather be embarrassed in front of one person who tells me, instead of 50 people who are giggling at me.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules If someone is hosting you, don’t insult or give a negative critique of their home. Some people have fewer resources than others, only one income to live off of, and have worked very hard to get less, etc. No need to point out home imperfections.

paul_rudds_drag_race , Stacie Report

Add photo comments
POST
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do people really do this? Are they lacking the general politeness gene? How self-entitled do you have to be to receive an invitation to someone's home and immediately say "You have. Ahuge stain on your hideous green carpet - what dreadful decorating! Is this sofa...*gasp* second-hand?!"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#32

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Talking through movies. I can only say "yeah" and "mhm" so many times

oge_mah_ge_kid , waferboard Report

Add photo comments
POST
Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly! If the actors have spent time learning their lines, got into makeup and performed their part for the director and cinematographer to get the perfect shot, then no, it isn't 'them just talking', it's an integral part of the story. Please just eat your popcorn and if you're still bored, maybe you could count your popcorn because right now, I'm watching - and listening to - a movie. Rant over. Apologies. Pet peeve.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules Stairs are for ascending and descending. Move out of the way when you are done using them. Standing in front of them and looking around like a lost tourist is not one of their functions.

FriedBacon90 , Pawel Biernacki Report

Add photo comments
POST
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While stationary stairs have a lesser effect, I need a fraction of a second after getting off escalators because I have an inner ear thing that affects my balance on moving stairways. I try not to use them, but sometimes there are no alternatives. So maybe consider that no one (including you) needs to get everywhere at 100mph. If you are in that much of a rush, perhaps your time management skills need working on, rather than getting angry at the dizzy woman not moving in a NY second at the end of the stairs.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules re-racking your weights at the gym. you lazy f*cks.

case712 , Marco Verch Professional Photographer Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If you are not strong enough to put it back our workers will do it". I've heard that this sign works

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules You only take two slices of pizza max, until everyone has had their fill.

Tomatillo_Fluffy , stu_spivack Report

#36

Try your best to make sure there isn't a third wheel in your group. It really sucks to be in that position.

cyanide_drinker Report

Add photo comments
POST
Huddo's sister
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather be a third wheel (I'm quite happy in my singleness) than be forced to be set up. If I am going out with a group, I'm there because I like the people in the group, I don't need you to add an extra for me.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#37

Don’t take the last of something without asking. Had gooey butter cookies I brought home when visiting family. I know they’re impossible to stop eating, so I guess it’s my fault. Offered roommates some when I left, came back and they were all gone. Never even got one :(

cannon_boi Report

Add photo comments
POST
Marco Hub-Dub
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or shout out, “who here is eyeing that last cookie and really wants it?” lift up the tray and pass it their way. Done!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

That you should talk to people about things that involve them

CapeOfBees Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah. Just dont plan some s**t and notify me at the last minute that am an integral part of your plan. You'll be dissapointed big time...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Pointing out awkward situations. If it wasnt awkward before, it now definitely is.

DeusExKFC Report

#40

Members Of This Online Group Are Annoyed With People Not Having Common Sense And Ignoring These 40 Unwritten Rules You don't need to be this close when you're talking to me.

grantib1 , ~jar{} Report

Add photo comments
POST
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How close? This one isn't clear. And while there is such a thing as personal space, there is also excess ambient noise, voice volume and hearing issues. Personal space is also cultural.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda