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“Slap Yourself And Don’t Do It”: 30 Social Norms People Hate The Most

Interview With Expert

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Imagine a world where social norms didn't exist. Would it be chaos, or would you finally be able to relax? You would no longer have to worry about watching what you say around colleagues or feel pressure to conform to rigid beauty standards.

While societal expectations can certainly help us navigate through the world with minimal conflict, certain ones might also become the bane of your existence.

Redditors have recently been calling out social norms that they would happily eliminate if they could, so we’ve gathered some of their hot takes below. Keep reading to also find a conversation with sociologist and author Dr. Todd Schoepflin, and be sure to upvote the unspoken rules that you’ve had enough of too!

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Letting kids act like psychotic inmates in public and at school. Because it's super disruptive and ruins everybody else's time, and is sometimes dangerous, and does not bode well for the kids as adults.

ScoutieJer , Stephen Andrews / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

143points

Mrs.C 1 month ago

"My kid would never" well, your kid abos-freaking-loutley did & here's the video. Parents will look you dead in the eye and still deny their child did anything wrong.

38points

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#2

Not accepting aging. 20yo girls shouldn't be getting "preventative botox". And actresses showing signs of aging shouldn't lose jobs. "Aging like milk" shouldn't be a saying at all. Normalize aging in general.

ktatsanon:

The amount of plastic surgery that young women are getting around here is sickening to me. Beautiful women ruining their looks to look like inflated, smooth faced aliens, is just so off-putting.

lithuanian_potatfan , Anna Shvets / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

129points

WindySwede 1 month ago

Aging like milk, if the milk have been turned into cheese 🧀 👍

28points

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#3

Videoing everything you do for fake internet points has become normal. No one f*****g cares.

Silly_Importance_74 , Ivan Samkov / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

124points

Lost Panda 1 month ago

This and narrating their life every few minutes...

25points

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To learn more about the complex world of social norms, we got in touch with Dr. Todd Schoepflin. Dr. Schoepflin is a sociologist, professor, the author of Sociology in Stories, and blogger, and he was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda about the unspoken rules we follow every day.

“As a sociologist I'm obsessed with norms, a foundational concept in my field. Norms guide our behavior,” Dr. Schoepflin shared. “They are the generally agreed on do's and don'ts of everyday life.”

“When students walked into the classroom today and said ‘Good morning,’ a norm was in effect. When students sit and pay attention, and I teach with enthusiasm and do my best to ‘act like a professor,’ we're all following the norms,” he explained.

#4

That whole thing where victims (of bullying, assault or abuse) have to "let things go" to "keep the peace" needs to die. People need to stop covering for a******s and criminals and let them face the consequences of their actions.

MindlessApricot8 , Keira Burton / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

122points

Mortlemur 1 month ago

Exactly and my school defends the bullies instead of helping the victims

30points

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#5

That as a woman you need to have biological kids or that "you'll never be complete/feel true love without them". Just let us be our own selves.

rock-mommy , Pixabay / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

121points

Lucifer 1 month ago

This is the position of conservatives( both political & religious). They still view women as property. And property has to produce some tangible results to be viewed as "useful". These people never left the mindset of ancient Greece.

29points

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#6

Circumcision. Such a barbaric thing to do to a literal infant.

eyedaisydoom , Sarah Chai / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

88points

WindySwede 1 month ago

Stop this now! Even more the mutulation of girls vulvas! 🤬😡

49points

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But what happens if we ignore norms in society? “No one holds the door for anyone. Shoppers leave their carts wherever they want. Drivers take up two spots,” Dr. Schoepflin told Bored Panda.

The expert also pointed out that norms differ place to place. “The norms of the New York City Subway system make for an interesting case study,” he says. “As a different example, here in Buffalo, NY, it violates a norm if we don't eat bleu cheese with chicken wings. We're not supposed to like ranch with our wings here.”

#7

Having to pretend you're “busy” to decline plans - just let me say no without making it a whole thing!

Blake-Faust , Anna Shvets / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

86points

Michael Largey 1 month ago (edited)

I decline an invitation not because I have something on my calendar, but because I don't want to have something on my calendar.

20points

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#8

Touching a pregnant woman's belly without permission.

fallen_aussie , SHVETS production / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

86points

Invisible Potato 1 month ago

"i will permint to touch my belly if you hold my husbands balls for 20 minutes"

29points

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#9

Expecting people to be onboard with gender norms is really annoying. Let boys learn home cooking and give girls the opportunity to do yardwork.

Barely_An_Artist , Angela Roma / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

84points

Nilsen 1 month ago

That should be seen as tools to live an independent life: You don't have to starve, or live in filth, you can both cook and clean. You can change your tires, mow the lawn and cut the hedges, or clean the gutters. These are life skills, not gender roles.

41points

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Dr. Schoepflin also noticed that I’m a native Texan. “I would wonder out loud, if, other than perhaps in Austin, does it violate a norm to be a vegan?” he asked. (It does!)

“I say that living in Buffalo, which I deem to be a meat loving place, and recalling that when my son was briefly vegetarian, he got some grief for it. People attend meat raffles here to have fun and raise money. There aren't salad raffles! So it's always important to think about norms and how they shape our behavior, expectations, and reactions.”

#10

More than 1 please :)
1) it is normal and healthy to be unmarried
2) it is normal to think of entering in a romantic relationship in 30s or beyond
3) divorce is a situation and not a label, once divorced, you are as single as someone single
4) love can be found at any age.

shalini-andwemet , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

81points

HeavyMetalHeart 1 month ago

Getting married next year for the first time at the age of 48! I wasn’t in the right headspace/didn’t meet the right person when I was younger, but it all came together in my 40s.

56points

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#11

Tipping.

HeyImBandit , Kelly / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

81points

blobby 1 month ago

Tipping is fine. Using it as an excuse to not pay your employees a living wage is not.

66points

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#12

The need to be busy or productive all the time. Hustle culture is b******t, we all need and deserve rest time. It’s not lazy, it’s something we all need. My hobbies don’t need to be monetised or marketable in some way to be worth doing.

breadcrumbsmofo , Ketut Subiyanto / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

79points

Friendly Neighbourhood Hermit 1 month ago

And sometimes I just wanna rot in bed in peace for a whole day.

29points

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But of course, the expert says people defy norms all the time, and we see norms change over time. “Look at the increased popularity of tattoos. The people like tattoos!” Dr. Schoepflin noted.

“Sometimes a public official makes a difference in the norms. I believe Dr. C. Everett Koop impacted norms of smoking when he spoke out about the dangers of tobacco. In my 20s, all the bars smelled of smoke. Now they don't,” the sociologist continued.

#13

Working 40 hours a week until you can hopefully retire at 65.

I see my coworkers more than I see my own family.

Apprehensive_Use2563 , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

79points

Friendly Neighbourhood Hermit 1 month ago

Aren't they also increasing retirement age whilst also reducing the pension? Which definitely isn't gonna help.

18points

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#14

Expecting people to be in a relationship, and questioning single people about why they're single. All it does is makes single people feel inadequate.

DeathSpiral321 , ira dulger / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

77points

Lavern Defazio 1 month ago

I've been single for many many many years and I never felt inadequate.

23points

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#15

Drinking alcohol in almost any social situation.

ThimMerrilyn , Pavel Danilyuk / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

76points

Nianudd 1 month ago

Started a fight on Reddit once by telling someone tht if they couldn't make it through an event without even a single alcoholic drink, they might have a problem

28points

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“So many gender norms have changed,” Dr. Schoepflin added. “A few generations ago, men smoked cigars in waiting rooms while their girlfriend or wife gave birth. Now, men are expected to be part of the labor process and may even be asked to cut the umbilical cord.”

“Speaking of labor, in 50 years, the share of women in the paid labor force increased from 30 percent in 1950 to 60 percent by 2000,” he says. “I'm going to show my students this example in class: until 1974, women didn't have the right to apply for credit in their own name without a male co-signer. Social movements (feminism, Civil Rights Movement) play a critical role in changing norms, attitudes, and laws.”

#16

Poor driving habits.

- Blocking the left lane.
- Not using turn signals.
- Speeding up to get past, only to slow down once in front.
- Speeding up to block someone from moving over.
- Blocking someone from merging onto the highway.
- Highbeams at night when not necessary.

Poor driving habits trickle down to people gradually becoming a******s to each other. We are in our own little bubble while driving.

Mrcommander254 , JESHOOTS.com / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

75points

sdorph 1 month ago

Not speeding up to highway speed when coming down the on-ramp

24points

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#17

I would eliminate the social norm that discourages open conversations about mental health. If we could talk about our struggles without stigma, more people would seek help when they need it, and we'd foster a society that's more understanding and supportive.

iiJinn , Nathan Cowley / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

72points

Lost Panda 1 month ago

I agree, but at the same time I feel that there are a few too many people self diagnosising for "points" or to cover their own behavior. I'm about 50/50 on this one.

30points

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#18

Expecting women to wear bras.

Edit: People commenting that big breasted women would disagree are missing the point. If you want to wear a bra, wear a bra. But we shouldn’t be expected to because our nipples are more sexualized than men’s.

ScribblerJack , Castorly Stock / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

72points

Jessica Cooney 1 month ago

I gave up caring what most people think about my bra wearing habits long ago. So IF I feel like wearing a bra, I do. I have no problem at all walking around the store sans bra. I figure its not my problem if someone doesn't like the shape of my fully covered chest.

30points

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We were also curious to know if Dr. Schoepflin would like to see any norms changed. “I'm concerned about what I perceive to be an ‘almost norm’ of aggressive driving,” he told Bored Panda. “More and more often I observe people driving like they're in video games, weaving rapidly through traffic, tailgating, and gesturing in a hostile manner when they don't like what their fellow drivers do.”

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#19

Shaming people who live with their parents as adults.

ChairmanLaParka:

The amount of people I interact with who, when they find out I, as a middle-aged man, live with my mom, no longer want anything to do with me is pretty high.
The amount of people who still feel that way after I tell them it's because she has mobility issues and has trouble doing basic things on her own is frustratingly high.

Tkinokun , Antoni Shkraba / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

70points

Cooking Panda 1 month ago (edited)

Agree. There are many reasons why people choose to live with their parents, including the one mentioned above which is exactly what I do too. I'm an only child, mom died a long time ago. When I got married I gave my husband a condition, that is I want to stay in town because I don't have the heart to leave my old man. My husband & me both have jobs & we earn decent money. So it's not necessarily because someone is a jobless slob or couldn't afford rent.

17points

Spencer's slave no longer 1 month ago (edited)

My boomerang, 33 today, and I share a big house, his partner stays when she has late finish at work. They have their half of the house and I have mine. We share bills, food, cooking etc. It works for us. *edited to make sense 😂

4points

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CrazyAuntiePanda 1 month ago

My mom & I share a house because neither of us can afford to live on our own

4points

Lucifer 1 month ago

This is mostly a Western thing. Eastern communities living with parents isn't considered abnormal. [The thought process - parents have worked most of their life for your upbringing & in their hour of vulnerability you should do your best to keep them comfortable]

4points

Holly Marley 1 month ago (edited)

Here is the random thing I have discovered, if I say "I live with my mom" then I get weird looks. But if I say "my mom lives with me" it's fine. So who lives with whom? Doesn't matter, and the subject changes to something else.

3points

Auntriarch 1 month ago

It's like if you are in the supermarket and say where's my mum, if you're 6 they worry about you, but if you're 60 they worry about your mum

2points

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Papa 1 month ago (edited)

I'm not saying they aren't out there, but I don't know of anyone who would shame people for living with their parents in a situation like the one described above. However, I've seen too many cases where the adult child is living with his or her parents and not contributing to the household. By the way, the parents are at least as much to blame for that situation as the adult child.

2points

Julie S 1 month ago

Do you want to live with strangers that don't respect you or your possessions, leave the kitchen a mess the bathroom a mess eat your food or live with your parents who always clean up after themselves and treat you with respect. That is the question.

2points

Michael Largey 1 month ago

After they reach a certain age, your parents live with you no matter who has the deed to the house.

2points

Bored Potato 1 month ago

Actually it's a pretty common thing in Asia since you are expected to care of your parents as they get older

1point

Carson Goldminc 1 month ago

My dad had a heart transplant. Stroke and needed major corrective surgery for a potential angina embolism. So does that make me a loser for helping him and wanting to spend the time we have left together? People need to start understanding and respecting what it takes to be a caregiver

1point

Nikki Gross 1 month ago

I stayed at home with my Mom since I was the last child and she was already older and could definitely use the help. I was a late baby, so since I never wanted to marry or have children it just made more sense to stay and help Mom then move into my own place. If I hadn't stayed the Mom wouldn't have been able to quit her hard job when she was 65. There is no way she could have been able to keep the house on just her Social Security alone. Mom and I became partners and best friends, the last 3 years of her life I was her 24/7 caregiver since she required round the clock care. I slept on a couch 4 feet from her, helped her with the bathroom, changed her Depends, bathed and fed her. Mom couldn't afford and was terrified of being put into a home, her only wish was to spend her final years in this house and the only reason she was able to do that is because I stayed here. The last 2 weeks of her life was in the hospital, since she required more care and pain meds then she could get home.

1point

Nikki Gross 1 month ago

Even then I slept in a recliner and stayed with her at the hospital 24/7, like every other time she was hospitalized because she was scared to be alone. Before she went to the hospital the final time, I had to have my Sister come over when she could just so I could take a quick shower. Throughout this entire time I was undergoing Chemotherapy and the ONLY time I left the house was for doctors appointments or when I would do an online grocery order so I could go and pick it up. But again that was only when my Sister could come over, because she works a full time hard labor job and was 51 years old when Mom's health started to decline.in January 2018. Mom passed away in December 2020 just 2 months shy of her 88th birthday and God I miss her every single day.

1point

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April Pickett 1 month ago

Living with your parents is not living in the basement playing video games 24 hours a day. That's movie hype and should not be taken as normal. Living with your parent(s) is an agreement between them and you to work out.

0points

Story Rook 1 month ago

These days, it's more cost efficient for everyone, too.

0points

cugel. 1 month ago

This guy probably looks down on other blokes who do it, but not for the "right" reasons.

0points

WindySwede 1 month ago

I can see if it's an cost issue. But if the parents need help it should not have to fall on the kids, that's something the society should help with. Not an burden on the kids! Anyone sane should not want anyone's kids have to do this? So go and vote for someone tha wants universal healtcare!

0points

Manana Man 1 month ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Emma S 1 month ago

First of all, no one asked for an English lesson. Secondly, you only need to say 'first of all' if you are making a list of two of more points.

10points

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#20

Women needing to remove their body hair in order to be seen as feminine.

Why? Because I think it’s ridiculous. It’s time consuming, costly, can be painful, can lead to rashes, ingrown hairs, infection and scarring.

I know there is such a thing as autonomy. I am aware that people have their own preferences and their own motivations.

Aequanitmitas , Tima Miroshnichenko / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

69points

Lost Panda 1 month ago

I agree, you do you. You wanna remove it, go for it. You don't want to don't.

22points

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#21

Not talking about your salary with your coworkers.

If everyone knew what everyone else was earning, wages would go up across the board—which is exactly why it is taboo.

Incredible_Witness , Christina Morillo / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

66points

R Dennis 1 month ago

I always told people that your salary is your business. If you want to share it, go ahead. I didn't care if my company didn't want them sharing wage information. That doesn't benefit anyone but the employer.

11points

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“I'd love it if, as drivers, we collectively chilled out, slowed down, and reacted in a calm manner when something doesn't go our way,” the sociologist continued. “But it seems to me that we're going down the road of being distracted, impatient, angry drivers. This puts drivers and pedestrians in danger!”

“We've had long standing, effective campaigns against drunk driving (MADD gets some credit for that),” he added. “Perhaps we need more public awareness about the dangers of aggressive, distracted, everyday driving in contemporary society.”

#22

Shaking hands. Let’s just go to a head nod instead. I’m not a germaphobe in the slightest but I know people don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Kid_Named_Trey , fauxels / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

59points

sdorph 1 month ago

Yes, handshaking faded away for a while because of Covid but now seems to be back again

14points

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#23

Virgin shaming. More specifically making assumptions about a person if they are “still” a virgin (ex: religious, traumatized, weird, question sexuality etc). It could just be circumstantial it hasn’t happened yet, they aren’t ready yet, didn’t meet someone they want to yet. It doesn’t always have to be some exaggerated reason and some questionable trait about a person that they’re a virgin.

RezDerez , Arina Krasnikova / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

57points

Lavern Defazio 1 month ago (edited)

Overheard three young men I work with talking about being virgins. All in their early 20s. Was not something I wanted to overhear, but I'm glad they were comfortable with each other to talk about it. Good for them.

23points

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#24

I would eliminate the idea of wearing high-heeled shoes.

P44 , Apostolos Vamvouras / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

52points

Trillian 1 month ago

Feel free to just not wear any? Haven't work a pair in my life.

21points

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#25

Being a workaholic is a kind of = success, and working just to get to live and enjoy life with your loved ones is kinda "stupid".

Life is short, why do I have to spend 12h working in a place to make money for someone else and be a stranger to my kids, stop visiting my parents, and just talk to my wife 20mins before we fall asleep.

bunanita3333 , Ron Lach / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

51points

keyboardtek 1 month ago

Law firms have this thing about working 12 hour days. Why not just hire more lawyers if the firm has so much work?

13points

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#26

Always needing to have new, fashionable clothing that you cannot wear repeatedly. This is slowly starting to change, but people still look askance if you wear the same thing more than once within a short amount of time even though plenty of people have washer and could easily wash something overnight and wear it again the next day. Fast fashion causes a lot of harm.

AlishaV , Andrea Piacquadio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

51points

CatFist 1 month ago

Do they though? Maybe I'm an outlier, but I don't think I'd ever notice if someone wore the same think on multiple occasions (including multiple days in a row) unless it happened to be something quite outlandish - though even then I'd not have a problem with it (at least not that that wore it again, though depending on the outfit, I might take issue with it in and of itself 😕)

19points

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#27

Casual racism- it's so common it's just so tiring to hear.

PlayShoddy1467 , Polina Tankilevitch / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

50points

Lucifer 1 month ago

It takes a special kind of stupid to think one race is better than the other.

24points

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#28

That a woman should be younger in relationship.

Having a younger boyfriend/husband for women should be a norm and not a shocking exception.

Soft_Detective5107 , Emma Bauso / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

48points

Michael Largey 1 month ago

My wife and I went on a train trip while vacationing in Canada. She qualified for the Senior Citizen rate by two years, and I missed it by two. But I rode for free anyway because I was "escorting a senior citizen". I try not to remind her of this more than once or twice a week.

8points

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#29

Referring to ones spouse as a ball and chain or otherwise joking about your cr*ppy marriage. Your marriage should be strong if it’s going to last and a cr*ppy marriage shouldn’t be socially joked about it as if it’s unfixable.

zvitaledit , TranStudios Photography & Video / peels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

45points

Any 1 month ago

And there is still divorce if you feel like your spouse is ball and chain....

9points

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#30

This is a new social norm of tween girls being taking to sephora and ulta to buy face serums needs to be eliminated. Dermotologists are horrified, no tween girl skin needs anti aging products. And these products are not cheap. I used to work at kohls and every night there would be a gaggle of middle schoolers and their mom and sometimes dad, buying the products that cost $50+ why be use of tik tok!!!

GongYooFan , Shiny Diamond / pexels(not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

45points

featherytoad 1 month ago

I'm 53F, and all I do is, wash, exfoliate lightly with a baby washcloth every now and then and moisturize. I've briefly experimented with other things until I found out you have to be consistent and dedicated. F that, I'm to lazy. I don't even wash my face every day. Right now it's fun and exciting for them. As they get older, it's going to feel like a chore.

10points

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#31

Oversharing online. When you're taking pictures of your child all tubed up in hospital and posting them online, you should really stop, have a think about wtf you're doing, slap yourself and don't do it.

Final score:

30points

WindySwede 1 month ago

Some will understand and stop/not have started. Some will wounder why the kid went NC..

2points

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#32

Viewing monetary success and fame as the most important metrics of success and worth.

Greed and hoarding should generally be frowned upon but isn't.

Final score:

27points

Lucifer 1 month ago

Also monetary success being related to intelligence. How? Nikola Telsa died in debt. While Musk, an actual moron, is considered real life Iron-man.

10points

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#33

Men praising other men for sleeping with women. Having s*x shouldn't be a competitive sport.

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Final score:

27points

Suede 1 month ago

This is a double standard

18points

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#34

Introvert stereotypes.

No-Conflict8644 Report

Final score:

27points

CanadianDimes 1 month ago

BP is such a culprit for this. Introversion and extroversion are just how the brain recharges. Being an introvert has nothing to do with being asocial or anxious or shy or depressed or lonely. Those things can co-exist. They can also co-exist in extroverts.

13points

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#35

Ditch the expectation to respond to messages immediately.

ComplaintRecent5053 Report

Final score:

26points

JaniSan 1 month ago

I've already ditched this.. like 10 years ago 😅

3points

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#36

Let’s eliminate the expectation that you must attend every family event; personal choice matters.

LogicalFoxProducer Report

Final score:

25points

B 1 month ago

I started saying no a few years ago & I always get the we will miss you, but I'm fine with that. If you have not talked to me all year why do I need to see you at the holidays

9points

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#37

I wish we could eliminate the pressure to marry by a certain age; everyone’s timeline is different.

FastCookie9314 Report

Final score:

24points

WindySwede 1 month ago

Theists?

3points

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#38

The one bothering me most at the minute is vaping in people's faces like it's nothing.

JPK12794 Report

Final score:

23points

CanadianDimes 1 month ago

One thing that continues to strike me about the UK is that, when walking past someone smoking, they won’t exhale until I’m passed. It’s really considerate

4points

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#39

Greeting cards. Now they're closer to $7 or more. Last a few weeks and then it's in the trash.

coreynj2461 , Nonnadee Grant / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

23points

Emma S 1 month ago

If you're in the UK get yourself down The Card Factory. They're seven for £1 in there.

7points

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#40

I’d love to see an end to the pressure to conform to beauty routines; authenticity is liberating.

Playful-Flow2529 Report

Final score:

20points

TribbleThinking 1 month ago

Wash, hair in towel, moisturise, brush hair when dry. Done.

8points

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#41

Get rid of the stigma around taking mental health days.

Necessary_Debt_2491 Report

Final score:

20points

Papa 1 month ago

I occasionally am too sick to go to work, suffering from rectal glaucoma (that's when you just can't see your a*s going to work).

3points

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#42

Saying things you don’t mean to be polite (such as as let’s hang out sometime).

mrdoeth , fauxels / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

19points

David 1 month ago

So... DON'T?? I say what I mean. You can be honest without being rude. Using OP's example, just because you don't lie and say you want to hang out doesn't mean you have to be in their face about how it sucks to be around them.

0points

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#43

If I could eliminate a social norm, I'd probably get rid of the expectation that by a certain age we should already "have everything figured out," especially when it comes to work, relationships, or life in general. This pressure to follow the "right path" according to what society dictates may cause a lot of anxiety and frustration. The truth is, everyone has their own pace, their own circumstances, and their own idea of what success is. If we got rid of that norm, I think people could live with more freedom, without constantly comparing themselves to others.

bonbon_kelly Report

Final score:

19points

Lucifer 1 month ago

Exactly. There are people who figure things out early, some mid life & there are late bloomers. Let people do what they want at their own pace & if you can support them in anyway possible. No point adding more pressure to their existence.

4points

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#44

Having university function as job credentialism.

It just makes people resent education and see it as a "scam" because they just want to get a job. They don't want to pay an extra 50k to take electives in underwater basket-weaving.

wrinklybuffoon , Emily Ranquist / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

18points

keyboardtek 1 month ago

My daughter got her BA degree because she was tired of all the companies rejecting her for a job even though she already knew how to do that job. She called it the paper barrier.

8points

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#45

The pressure to always be available can be overwhelming; everyone needs downtime.

Miserable-Fly6635 Report

Final score:

17points

Michael Largey 1 month ago

I'm always available. If you want adequate, that's another discussion.

0points

#46

'How are you' when they really don't care.

Andrewcoo Report

Final score:

16points

Lavern Defazio 1 month ago

Well, my knees are aching,. I've been getting dizzy spells. My body hurts when ever I do anything. Don't get me started on my feet.

6points

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#47

Working in an office.

Initial-Shop-8863 Report

Final score:

16points

WonderWoman 1 month ago

Showing up just to have a presence is asinine. If it can be done remotely, is should be remote.

7points

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#48

The whole song and dance around bringing something when someone invites you over. If you ask, "what can I bring?" (which you should) and they say "nothing," that should be the end of it.

Final score:

16points

WindySwede 1 month ago

A no is a no.

5points

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#49

Get rid of the belief that all friendships must be deep.

Civil_Rooster2155 Report

Final score:

16points

Child of the Stars 1 month ago

No. A friendship is inherently an emotionally intimate relationship. But not all relationships should be deep. Just because I spend time with someone on a regular basis doesn't make us friends, it makes us acquaintances. If either or both of us aren't comfortable calling the other for a either a shoulder to cry on or to celebrate a win, we're not friends, we're acquaintances.

2points

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#50

Let’s stop judging people for their relationship choices.

Any-Loan1769 Report

Final score:

16points

TribbleThinking 1 month ago

Except if it hurts people in the relationship, e.g. cheats. Otherwise, it's totally your right to do as you will.

7points

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#51

Exchanging of gifts, it's gimmicky and a waste of time and money.

ThrowawayCIAMA90 , JESHOOTS.com / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

15points

Firstname Lastname 1 month ago

I personally would rather share experiences with someone than gifts. Like birthday dinners and going to events, because the memories are usually better than something that'll sit on my shelf.

9points

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#52

Family pressuring their kids to get straight As or berating them if they get a slightly lower grade ("You'll never become a (insert dream job)", "You will be useless")

It happens to me while they brush off any external factors that could contribute (Illness, loneliness, any conditions that could prevent me from studying properly like ADHD) to me falling behind.

IneedBleach123 Report

Final score:

14points

Liz The Biz 1 month ago

Whatever grade I got at school it was never good enough for my mother. If I got a B it should have been an A and if I got an A then it was a pure fluke, not because I'd worked hard. All I ever got was negativity and criticism. Even now, decades later, I feel like whatever I do is never good enough.

2points

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“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

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#53

People could openly say "I'm ONLY looking to have fun" or "I'm ONLY looking for something serious" when it comes to dating.

Yes you can have fun with someone and it just not work out but it would be nice to be able to know which people are going to hit six months and one person thinks "This is getting serious" and the other person is all "well it's been fun see you"

But currently if a person says they're specifically not looking for something serious or that they are they're either considered a flake or they scare someone off.

jackfaire Report

Final score:

13points

David 1 month ago

I'm not on dating apps but isn't that what all the "DTF" is about?

1point

#54

The idea that vacations must always be extravagant is limiting; staycations can be just as fulfilling.

WoodenDimension2889 Report

Final score:

13points

Freya the Wanderer 1 month ago

Vacations don't have to be spendy - you can stay at inexpensive hotels/motels and do a lot of free stuff.

1point

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#55

Thank you cards when you thanked them in person already.

OutrageousMoney4339 , RDNE Stock project / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

11points

ScootyPuffJr 1 month ago

I always send thank you cards. It's not necessary, but there's nothing wrong with showing gratitude.

1point

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Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

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#56

The high expectations for men, whether it comes to their hight, or their duty to be the only provider in the family

Times have changed, and women are just as capable at making money as men.

KerbodynamicX Report

Final score:

9points

Lucifer 1 month ago

They have been capable all the while. It's just that men didn't let them.

20points

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#57

Get rid of the stigma around casual relationships.

donnathomascb70h Report

Final score:

8points

Steve Robert 1 month ago

The trouble with casual relationships is that eventually someone gets hurt because you were serious, but they weren't.

0points

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#58

The norm of always being polite; honesty can be more important.

siweranulodo7h5e4r Report

Final score:

7points

David Morgan 1 month ago

The callous and the foolish think that the 'brutal' part is the important one in 'brutal honesty'. You can be direct, uncompromising and honest without being mean. It's a matter of approach. So, if you don't like a friend's outfit you COULD say 'you look like s**t in that' or you could say 'I think it doesn't show off your best features and you would look better in...'. One approach is going to make people hate you, the other won't.

2points

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#59

The pressure to conform to a specific body type is harmful; all bodies are beautiful.

Sorry-Newspaper-1237 Report

Final score:

7points

keyboardtek 1 month ago

Actually not all bodies are beautiful. It is more important to consider what is more healthy. And your doctor should be the only person with the right to comment about your body.

10points

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#60

Trying to be the last to say "goodbye" on the📱 cause you don't want to be rude
"You have a good night"
"Will do, you too"
"I will, you too"
"Yeh, thank you, bye"
"Alls good, yeh, bye"
"OK, bye"
"Yeh, bye"
"OK, bye" repeat last two for infinity.

Winter-Tomorrow7234 Report

Final score:

5points

JJ 1 month ago

Ending a phone call with my grandma is exactly like this - just waaaaay longer. And I swear, someday I'll miss it.

1point

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College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

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#61

Travel expectations.

Unable_Dog_6572 Report

Final score:

1point

CanadianDimes 1 month ago

What kind of expectations? There are lots of expectations for travel we should follow. Don’t be a dĩck on the plane/train/boat. Be considerate in someone else’s country.

3points

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#62

Home cleanliness.

Proud_Holiday2340 Report

Final score:

0points

CanadianDimes 1 month ago

Why would you want to live in a gross mess?

3points

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Adelaide Ross

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

Kotryna Br

Kotryna is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Graphic Design. Before Bored Panda, she worked as a freelance graphic designer and illiustrator. When not editing, she enjoys working with clay, drawing, playing board games and drinking good tea.

Kotryna is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Graphic Design. Before Bored Panda, she worked as a freelance graphic designer and illiustrator. When not editing, she enjoys working with clay, drawing, playing board games and drinking good tea.

If you could eliminate one social norm, which would it be and why?

Dirk Daring 1 month ago

Call me a cynic, but can we please put an end to making restaurant waitstaff sing "Happy Birthday" to grown adults? Nobody involved enjoys that. Anyone who genuinely likes having this done to/for them is an attention-hungry narcissist.

10points

Michael Largey 1 month ago

Ok, you're a cynic. That is to say, someone inconveniently right.

4points

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Sophia Athene 1 month ago (edited)

If another server shoves a witch's hat on my head and stands beside while I don't move or look at them to get me to ride a broom around b/c it's my birthday, I am going to jail for assault. I wish the w/b***h that is in me now was in me then.

0points

Beak Hookage 1 month ago (edited)

Our local restaurant would play a full choir rendition of the song on the speakers and stick a candle in your dessert. But only if you specifically asked them to.

0points

Beth Wheeler 1 month ago

That and happy anniversary if there are several at the same time UGH

0points

PeTeH 1 month ago

Worshiping celebrities.

9points

Adam Benson 1 month ago

How about adults AND their kids watching iPad/phone videos at an ear-splitting volume in public? One generation of a**holes training the next.

5points

AwesomeLeoWife 1 month ago

Disagreed with almost all of these. If it isn’t a law, if you don’t want to do something, you already don’t HAVE to do it. You also can’t expect everyone to agree with your preferences or opinions. This whole article smacked of being judgmental or plain entitlement.

1point

RS 1 month ago

Social norms means it's not the law but there's a lot of judgment on the people not following them. That's what the article is about. Some are a bit iffy but it's not entitlement to want to be able to be a woman with hairy legs/no bra and not get a thousand people staring like you're a freak.

3points

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Mimi M 1 month ago

Unusual (for contrary me), but agreed with basically every single one of these.

1point

sofacushionfort 1 month ago

Most of these are by and for younger adults, saying that people in their 20s in the 2020s shouldn’t follow the social conventions of the 1980s. Speaking as someone who was in his 20s in the 1980s, I say “Hell yes, why weren’t more voices saying this 40 years ago?”

1point

Adam Benson 1 month ago (edited)

Somehow being proud of being stupid/ignorant when it comes to basic knowledge. If someone can't name a single country on the map but can name at least 6 Kardashians and a dozen luxury brand logos, they really need to reassess their priorities.

0points

Rudo 1 month ago

Can we stop using asterisks to spell words? I c**t re** that.

-1point

Child of the Stars 1 month ago

That's not the users, it's BP's censors.

5points

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Dirk Daring 1 month ago

Call me a cynic, but can we please put an end to making restaurant waitstaff sing "Happy Birthday" to grown adults? Nobody involved enjoys that. Anyone who genuinely likes having this done to/for them is an attention-hungry narcissist.

10points

Michael Largey 1 month ago

Ok, you're a cynic. That is to say, someone inconveniently right.

4points

Load More Replies...

Sophia Athene 1 month ago (edited)

If another server shoves a witch's hat on my head and stands beside while I don't move or look at them to get me to ride a broom around b/c it's my birthday, I am going to jail for assault. I wish the w/b***h that is in me now was in me then.

0points

Beak Hookage 1 month ago (edited)

Our local restaurant would play a full choir rendition of the song on the speakers and stick a candle in your dessert. But only if you specifically asked them to.

0points

Beth Wheeler 1 month ago

That and happy anniversary if there are several at the same time UGH

0points

PeTeH 1 month ago

Worshiping celebrities.

9points

Adam Benson 1 month ago

How about adults AND their kids watching iPad/phone videos at an ear-splitting volume in public? One generation of a**holes training the next.

5points

AwesomeLeoWife 1 month ago

Disagreed with almost all of these. If it isn’t a law, if you don’t want to do something, you already don’t HAVE to do it. You also can’t expect everyone to agree with your preferences or opinions. This whole article smacked of being judgmental or plain entitlement.

1point

RS 1 month ago

Social norms means it's not the law but there's a lot of judgment on the people not following them. That's what the article is about. Some are a bit iffy but it's not entitlement to want to be able to be a woman with hairy legs/no bra and not get a thousand people staring like you're a freak.

3points

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Mimi M 1 month ago

Unusual (for contrary me), but agreed with basically every single one of these.

1point

sofacushionfort 1 month ago

Most of these are by and for younger adults, saying that people in their 20s in the 2020s shouldn’t follow the social conventions of the 1980s. Speaking as someone who was in his 20s in the 1980s, I say “Hell yes, why weren’t more voices saying this 40 years ago?”

1point

Adam Benson 1 month ago (edited)

Somehow being proud of being stupid/ignorant when it comes to basic knowledge. If someone can't name a single country on the map but can name at least 6 Kardashians and a dozen luxury brand logos, they really need to reassess their priorities.

0points

Rudo 1 month ago

Can we stop using asterisks to spell words? I c**t re** that.

-1point

Child of the Stars 1 month ago

That's not the users, it's BP's censors.

5points

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