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Some rules exist because they had to be implemented. Like the speed limit or legal drinking age. Meanwhile, some rules have backfired big time and made the people who implemented them regret their decision. Check out our previous post about such instances right here.

But there are rules that need no introduction. They’re not documented in books nor authorized by law, and still, they govern our daily lives. This simple “common sense” is also known as “unwritten rules” and they refer to common behavioral constraints we all take for granted.

Things like not swiping sideways if someone shows a picture on their phone, or never making fun of someone else’s laugh. Sounds random, but people swear by it! Scroll down below for more unspoken rules listed by people online.

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#1

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Never ever make fun of someone who is overweight at the gym.

hrpeanut , Danielle Cerullo Report

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Jihana
Jihana
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never make fun of someone who is overweight, period. Oh wait, let me rephrase that: Never make fun of someone, period!

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#2

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” If someone comes up to you that you don't know starts loudly talking about being your friend you play along

Narutophanfan1 , Alicia Steels Report

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#3

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” If you're wrong, admit it.

BammaLamb , Adrian Swancar Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So much this. This needs to be higher on the list. Being wrong and learning is a part of personal growth. Even if I am in a heated debate with someone and arguing my point and it all of a sudden dawns on me that they are right, I will immediately concede. Always good to be moldable, being rigid doesn't do anyone any good.

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#4

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” You having a bad day doesn't mean that you have to ruin other people's day.

iSpectral , Sincerely Media Report

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Kay blue
Kay blue
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to have to remind my daughter frequently not to take her bad mood out on me. It was quite effective because she would then explain what was bothering her and then she felt less grumpy.

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#5

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Don't play your music out loud when in public.

For example: While walking down the street or sitting on a bus one should not be blasting music on their personal device. Buy a pair of damn headphones.

AnonymousBrownsFan , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Hawkmoon
Hawkmoon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people who do that have, in addition, an unfortunate tendency to have shitty taste in music. Just sayin'

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#6

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Always let people out before walking in. This applies to elevators, trains, or anything similar.

Huomenna , Keira Burton Report

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oktopus
oktopus
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never understood why this simple concept is evidently so difficult for so many people...

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#7

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” If someone is giving you a ride, be ready before the person arrives to pick you up.

hank_moo_d , Tobi Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Manners cost nothing... Although I do realize for those with ADHD this can be a monumental task most days.

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#8

When driving and someone lets you into the traffic stream, be sure to do the "Thank You Wave."

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#9

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Don't wear white to a wedding, and don't propose at someone's wedding. I'm sure this sucks to hear, but that is not your day. Don't be a d*ck.

katm3s , Soner Görkem Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree! Don't steal the spotlight away from someone else's special day.

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#10

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” When I show you a singular picture on my phone, don't ever try to swipe left or right.

dane006 , Jonas Leupe Report

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#11

Dont hit on women when they're at work. They're not flirting, theyre just being nice, it's their job.

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#12

If someone holds a door open for you, then please acknowledge them or say thank you. I'm not your servant.

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Jessi Lovely
Jessi Lovely
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This may may be trivial, but also don’t hold the door open because of gender. Do it to be kind.

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#13

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Be the person your dog thinks you are.

Howzieky , Tamas Pap Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can try, but I am unsure if I can accomplish that level of awesomeness. LOL

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#14

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Chew with your mouth closed.

d**k-nipples , Andres Ayrton Report

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#15

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Pay people back before they have to ask you to.

AFilmCricket , Karolina Grabowska Report

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#16

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Don't [frigging] cheat on your SO. It's not cool. If you wanna f**k someone else, break up with your SO first instead of being a secretive c**t.

Happens way too often.

reddit , Ron Lach Report

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#17

For the love of God, just return the shopping cart when you’re done with it

urwaterispoisoned Report

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#18

If you're walking side by side on a sidewalk and someone comes towards you, f**king make room.

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Irishwoman abroad
Irishwoman abroad
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or if someone comes up behind you, obviously in a hurry, let them pass!!

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#19

Always tell a girl if she's bled through on her period.

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#20

Don't touch me or stand so close to me that I can feel you breathing if I don't know you!

Seems so simple, but so many people are disrespectful of personal space.

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Kay blue
Kay blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two years of a global pandemic and yet some people still have no concept of personal space.

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#21

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Be patient with the elderly unless they're being [jerks]

soomuchcoffee , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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Mama Panda
Mama Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about just be patient with everyone unless they're being jerks.

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#22

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” If you borrow a friend's car, fill up the tank when returning it as a thank you.

BNovus , What Is Picture Perfect Report

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Kimikazi
Kimikazi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lent someone by motorcycle and he almost depleted my fuel when he brought it back. I didn't bother to check and I got stranded when I was going home. I was so livid. 😡😡😡😡

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#23

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Leave it better than you found it.

MakesThingsBeautiful , Volha Flaxeco Report

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#24

Life isn't fair and thank goodness - imagine the horror of knowing that every bad thing that happened to you happened because you deserved it.

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a wonderful viewpoint and I think I am going to steal it to send to my 21 year old son. I wish I actually read this sooner.

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#25

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Don't bother someone with headphones in unless it's important. They have headphones in for a reason.

reddit , Devon Divine Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are a lot of times it is a coping strategy for anxiety.

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#26

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Maintain personal hygiene regularly

BammaLamb , Burst Report

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#27

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” For women: always have an extra pad or tampon on you. You never know when another woman might desperately need it. You may not like her, but this is your one exception to be nice. We've all been there.

reddit , Natracare Report

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#28

Always say please and thank you. Good to do it until it becomes second nature. Most people know this, but not everyone does it.

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#29

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” If you're going to ask someone to help you move, please have all the boxes already packed and ready to go.

kerryb1989 , Michal Balog Report

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Beth S
Beth S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also don't be a d**k to those helping you move! I had one person that knew I had health issues snap at me because I wasn't moving stuff fast enough and had to take too many breaks. I was there during my free time, with my husband, as well as 3 or 4 other friends.

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#30

Always start with the question "how might I be wrong?"

Everyone can figure out a reason to believe they're correct, but if you look for reasons you are wrong first you will make fewer horrific assertions and mistakes.

"How might I be wrong" is the core question of science and the start of all wisdom.

BitOBear Report

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#31

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Never ask a woman if she's pregnant

jhurls2323 , Camylla Battani Report

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Beth S
Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also when a woman is pregnant - keep your hands and inappropriate comments to yourself. They do not become public property when they are with child.

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#32

If a bro [passes away] while lifting, put more weight on the bar, then call 911

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#33

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Common sense ain't that common, so explain things in the simplest manner you possibly can.

billyK_ , Matilda Wormwood Report

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chicken
chicken
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

me having common sense is about as common as a chicken crossing the road.

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#34

We have an ABC mantra at work:

Assume nothing.

Believe nobody.

Check everything.

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Julian Trevino
Julian Trevino
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Should be the rule of life! Just because you read it on social media doesn't mean it's true. How can there be so many legitimate sites to verify facts, but people choose Sally's "Uncle Joe"?

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#35

When letting cars into traffic, you let one then you go, just keep alternating.

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

When someone lets you out or in, please salute them in gratitude. Failure to do so will result in you becoming the focus of a rage second only to the eye of Sauron.

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#36

The first time visiting someone's place you bring something. Anything. Bottle of wine, six-pack, food, origami penguin. Something.

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#37

Don’t touch another person’s hair just because you think it’s pretty.

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Mama Panda
Mama Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one right here!! When my son was born, he had bright red hair. Every damn time we went out, people would come up to us and want to touch his hair. Of course I had stupid people accuse me of dying his hair. But they still had to put their "god only knows what is on their fingers" all over my son's head. Even after I asked them nicely. Even after I was rude to them. Even after I threatened bodily harm. They would still try to touch his hair. People are rude!

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#38

Especially to your kids, don't make promises you can't keep. Also, don't ever threaten to do something you can't or won't follow up on.

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Vanessa Richardson
Vanessa Richardson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saw a shirt recently that says “No one is more full of sh*t than a parent who just said “maybe.” Lol

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#39

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” If someone clearly doesn't want to talk to you or needs to be somewhere else, let them be.

reddit , cottonbro Report

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#40

Never refuse when someone offers you a breath mint

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Hazel Wasil
Hazel Wasil
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because your breath smells like a wet dog after he rolled in his own poop.

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#41

Don't touch a disabled person's mobility aids without being specifically asked to do so by the person. Wheelchair, scooter, cane, dog, walker, whatever they are using don't touch it unless they ASK you to. View it as a stranger trying to touch your legs, do you want rando to pick up your leg? Move your leg? Pet your leg? Probably not.

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BonnyDK
BonnyDK
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And for God’s sake don’t judge someone with mobility issues or make fun of them. You have no clue how much pain they are in just to walk.

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#42

Never say something to someone you love that you can't recover from in the heat of an argument. You love that person for a reason.

Kynas Report

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Monic Krugell
Monic Krugell
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and learn to forgive things that was said in the heat of the moment - no use letting them hurt you forever

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#43

Ask the person if they are at the back of the line before you join it.

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#44

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” Cover your mouth when you cough with your elbow, not your hands that you will then touch a bunch of stuff with. Applies to sneezes as well. In general, just keep your gross bodily fluid to yourself unless clearly requested to share.

reddit , cottonbro Report

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#45

If you're in someone else's home/car/yard- Anything of someone else's, ASK before you do something. No, I don't want you smoking in my car. I don't want you feeding my dog food from the table. Just stop.

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Lioness Nature
Lioness Nature
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely agree with feeding my dog human food. It's my number one rule. He has his own food and treats I paid a lot for. Plus if it's something he is allergic to I'm sure you won't foot the vet fees. Just say no to him and he'll walk away.

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#46

If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.

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Catarina
Catarina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless he/She is a clown and u (as me) are afraid of them and that was y u stoped.....

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#47

The window seat gets an armrest and a wall, the middle seat gets two arm rests, and the aisle seat gets an arm rest and a little extra leg room. We're not savages, we live in a society.

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#48

If you can smell yourself it's too late.

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T. D.
T. D.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some once said to me: When you stsrt to smell yourself, other ppl have been smelling you for 3 days

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#49

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” After applying restraints to objects in the flatbed of a truck, saying "Yep, that's not goin' anywhere" is an absolute necessity.

FlammableDucks , Mike Report

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Kevin Felton
Kevin Felton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make sure you twang the strap when you say it. Otherwise it absolutely will go somewhere.

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#50

50 Of The Best Answers To “What Are Some Unwritten Rules Of Life?” We don't fight at weddings.

johnboy2978 , Al Elmes Report

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