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Say please and thank you. Make eye contact when having a conversation. Respect other people’s personal space. And please, never ever speak loudly on your phone when in a small, shared space.

Social norms are incredibly powerful. They let us know that we might not want to speak and behave the same way around our bosses that we do around our best friends, and they help us travel via public transit without infuriating all of our fellow passengers. There are plenty of unspoken rules that make our lives simpler, but there might be some that you disagree with as well. Just because society tells you something is right or wrong doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to question it.

Reddit users have recently been sharing examples of things society considers to be bad that are actually perfectly normal, so we’ve gathered a list of their most spot-on responses below. From circumstances we all experience to harmless behaviors that shouldn't carry any moral weight, this list is full of reminders that sometimes society’s rules are just arbitrary. Enjoy devouring this food for thought, and don't forget to upvote the replies featuring things you’d like to normalize as well!

#1

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Assisted suicide. If your pet does not have a good prognosis your vet will recommend putting them to sleep. Why do we make humans suffer to the bitter end? Sure, we give them medicine to make them comfortable, but why extend that timeframe if they nothing left to do? They made their will, they said goodbye, now they wait and run up a bill for their family to pay?? If you have terminal illness, you should be able to die with dignity.

Contemplative2408 , Yakov_Oskanov Report

#2

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Doing nothing with my free time.

I work and have chores. When I don't have those things, I don't feel like hiking or scuba diving or anything.

I want to do nothing. Leave me alone.

Val_Hallen , gpointstudio Report

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Sunshine Lady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely! People are saying I need to get a hobby, but I really need to do nothing sometimes. My free time is just a few ours monthly, so no hobbies are worth it 😃

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#3

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online A lot of people are quick to call you "fake" if you're polite to those you dislike.

It's not being fake, it's being civil.

ChuushaHime , Pressmaster Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES! Just because I don't like someone doesn't mean I will be rude to them!

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#4

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Not having kids if you don't want them.

Having kids you don't want is bad.

somepeoplewait , Vailery Report

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SuperChicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Completely agree. Yet, people think that we, who don't have children, are considered selfish. Having children is not for everybody.

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#5

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Abortion

Fewer children born into poverty or in situations where they aren’t wanted is a net positive. It’s actually been proven that abortion lowers crime.

catching_signals , tracincary Report

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Mickysixxx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe they made it illegal in the States, that's madness! If you make it illegal it will just go underground and women will die. It happened in the past and will happen again. Woman deserve the have the choice about what happens to their bodies

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#6

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online a socialist health system. You shouldn't need to pay to stay alive.

X-OManowar , LightFieldStudios Report

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Dominik
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather call it "social health system", as "socialist" refers to so many irrelevant, misleading and charged political topics

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#7

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online In my experience, some people see not being close with your family as a red flag. Not sure why. Like, sorry? I didn't get to pick my family. Lol.

ballslongerthanmypp , larisikstefania Report

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being able to identify toxic people and cutting them out of your life before their abuse break you down, can be a major green flag, and a true sign of strength as it is not an easy thing to do.

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#8

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Waking up late. But getting a few more hours sleep is far more beneficial than some YouTube hustler saying you should wake up at 5 am for no reason.

Broncotron , Iakobchuk Report

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SuperChicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm on board on sleeping-in. I like my sleep, and if I don't have to be anywhere/somewhere, what's the point of getting-up so early?

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#11

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Mental health care. People want to pretend if you just ignore mental health problems, they will go away. Does cancer go away if you ignore it?

thetearinsound , djoronimo Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will just shove my mental problems under this rug. What I don't see doesn't exist, right?

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#12

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Cultural appropriation. The spread of a culture to people groups who are outside the originating culture is a good thing.

TheZelf , piasupuntongpool Report

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Mulberry Juice
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as they aren’t mocking or insulting the people and their culture, there shouldn’t be a problem

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#13

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Talk about your salary. This literally just exist so that the working class doesn't talk about unbalanced wages and starts to question their bosses

50KiloHack , DC_Studio Report

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Icecream Sarang
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pssssstttt Americans: It’s actually illegal for companies to forbid you from talking about your salary. Violates your right to Unionize or something obscure.

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#14

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Using social services. It is what they are there for, and you helped pay for them.

SucksToYourAssmar3 , monkeybusiness Report

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Mistiekim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I don’t want my tax dollars being used to pay for lazy people! Just get a job!” - Most, if not all Republicans.

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#15

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Men having emotions

shadow_master3210 , Albertocase Report

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Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men having emotions other than anger, women being angry or being unemotional. It's like men are only allowed to be either angry or unemotional and women must feel some feelings but it must not be anger.

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#16

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Being lazy, there is nothing wrong with spending the whole weekend just playing video games and watching movies! As long as you don't neglect your kids or pets during that time who cares what you did on the weekends or after work!

itsfish20 , lira_n4 Report

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess if you don't live with anyone else and you aren't neglecting other responsibilities that you have, then there's nothing wrong with it.

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#17

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online sex education for people younger than the age of expected sexual activity

ElectricalJacket780 , bialasiewicz Report

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V
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some girls get their period at 8 or 9. Should at least start teaching kids about puberty then. Even if one kid starts puberty later, they will be around kids who go through it earlier and all kids should know about it.

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#18

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Politicians changing their minds when presented with new information.

hey_you_too_buckaroo , Pressmaster Report

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#19

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Failing. Failing does not mean you are a failure. Just means you tried something and it didn't work out right. It is very possible that "Those who never failed also never tried." is true.

EldritchKoala , sofiiashunkina Report

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Colin L
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always tell my students "making mistakes isn't failure. How will you learn if you can't make any mistakes?"

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#20

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Doing things (like going to a restaurant) alone

littlephrogboyo , vladans Report

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SuperChicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's wrong with going to a restaurant alone? Let alone, doing things alone?

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#21

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Piracy for incredibly old movies/games etc. If its no longer available, then it should be encouraged if anything.

anoncanid , MargJohnsonVA Report

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AndThenICommented
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny- I never thought of games and movies not entering the public domain. Something to think about

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#23

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online **One example** of something that society considers to be bad but is not inherently so is aging. While aging is often associated with decline and loss, it can also bring wisdom, maturity, and a greater appreciation for life. It is often how society views aging and the cultural attitudes toward the elderly that are negative, not the process itself.

hotcum69 , Pressmaster Report

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#24

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Poverty. Have you noticed how most people treat those who make little money? Yes, there are some hard-core slackers who don't want to work, but most people work their asses off to make a living, and it's not because of laziness, but because of social or health reasons. It is worth remembering that one day you make fun of the poor, and the next day you are begging for your own bread. Be kind!

AnastasiaFrid , smile23 Report

#25

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Not tipping workers who do basic stuff like handing me a cup of coffee or a takeout bag. It’s okay to not want to pay 20% for just handing me stuff I bought.

cocomelon36 , DragonImages Report

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The issue is that at least in the US, they have set up a really crazy system where people like e.g. waiter has been allowed to "setup their own business inside a restaurant" rather than being paid staff by the restaurant owner. They are paid so little that they must rely on being able to be paid in tips, so you are basically making them work almost for free if you don't tip them, and that is not fair either. I like the european model more where the pay for the waiters are determined in advance and added to the price of the meal, so they don't have to gamble on your mercy.

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#26

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Voluntary celibacy.

People act like you're missing out, or wierd just because you don't want to have sex.

TheAres1999 , gpointstudio Report

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#27

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Breastfeeding in public

Grentis , collab_media Report

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Premislaus de Colo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Breastfeeding in public should be banned, but only after eating in public is banned, because that's what breastfeeding actually is - giving food to your child.

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#28

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Not working 24/7 or participating in the “hustle culture”

coachlasso , s_kawee Report

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SuperChicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to work for someone, who would frown on us whenever we leave on time. He thinks that we're not being "loyal" if we didn't stay late. A hostile work environment, too. Thank goodness, it didn't take long for me to find a different job, where it wasn't as stressful. We did some overtime, when need be, but not all the time.

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#29

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Not having kids.


Stop asking people, you never know what they’re going through, and it’s nobody’s business.

ChickenBootty , kegfire Report

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SuperChicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I've said before, having children is not for everybody. For some, it might be as personal as having some medical issues. Really, it's nobody's business.

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#30

Cutting off your parents/family if they're toxic.

MaskedBabes99 Report

#32

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Talking to yourself.

Playful-Profession-2 , stockbusters Report

#33

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Having disagreements. Totally normally to disagree with people. It’s even more normal to disagree with your friends and still remain friends.

ZenoSalts , YuriArcursPeopleimages Report

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Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I beg to differ. I am not going to stay friends with people who have different opinions on women's and LGBTIQ-rights or are racist.

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#34

Being comfortable enough to relax and find enjoyment at home. You shouldn’t need to constantly leave your home to find enjoyment. It’s not bad to spend those staying home without going out shopping, to restaurants, to special events etc. there’s nothing wrong with relaxing at home

HolidayArgument8145 Report

#35

Taking things that have been discarded but are perfectly good.

loopywolf Report

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Marion Goriak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I lived downtown, it went like this: Good stuff - laundry room. Less good? hanging around the dumpster for the divers. Only total garbage went in the dumpster. I live in a small town now - Good stuff - posted to town facebook page. Less good? donate to thrift. Only total garbage sent to landfill. Reduce, reuse, recycle, love your mother Earth.

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#36

A lack of professional ambition.

parkinthepark Report

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Tuna Fish
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One million upvotes. Yes I am smart and educated, that does not mean I want to live a life of ladder climbing that is just a vicious cycle of stepping on other people to make some owner stupid rich. My life is for me to live. F**k everyone and everything else.

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#37

Free healthcare

halflife_3 Report

#38

Cursing and nudity. Especially in US. You people are so prude

Fabian42 Report

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JoMeBee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Drives me insane that sex and nudity are taboo but guns and violence are A-OK in the US...

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#39

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Knowledge, apparently. Seems like educating others and speaking on a topic you are certified to speak in is an offense to them somehow, so they think you're speaking down to them if you disagree with them.

glitchystitchy Report

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ForThePeople
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is common, especially in the USA. If you are not a conspiracy theorist who believes in every stupid thing known to man, you are a sheep

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#40

Sensitive straight guys

RutDoggy Report

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SuperChicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The stupid machismo image that society led many of us to believe that men are not "real" men, if they're sensitive🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

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#41

Helping others and gaining nothing from it. I don't mean like charity work but if I come across someone in need that might just need to talk to someone I don't mind being that person. Have a few friends that are baffled by that idea that I don't need anything in return to help.

ThePeerlessWolfKing Report

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RedPepper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people think that human relationships are purely transactional. Sad.

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#42

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Providing help to pedophiles so they don't commit crimes.

joeythenose , AnnaStills Report

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Ches Yamada
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pedophilia does not mean someone is automatically an abuser. We need to stop harmful media portraying every single person out there with an illness as a criminal. For this, it needs to be treated, but people who have it *won't* get help if they're afraid they will be destroyed by word getting out that they have said illness. There are far more people with this that never harm any children their entire lives than those who do. This is backed by scientific research and studies, but the moment anyone tries to say not *all* these people are monsters, they're vilified themselves. We need to let them get help. Maybe one day we can track down something, somehow, that stops this, and we need to try to help those that have it to do that.

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#43

Abortions.

klutzosaurus-rex Report

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Ari (they/them)
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably going to get a lot of replies/backlash but this needs to be said: People deserve the right to make choices about their health on their own. They don't need a government/society telling them that they can't be free to make their own decisions. (btw, parents make most*, if not all decisions regarding their child's health). *edit-typo

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#44

Being single.

jwormyk Report

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i_like_boats
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

all of my friends date, but I don’t need to! Poetry and novels instead!

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#45

45 Common Things Society Labels As Bad That Are Actually Fine, As Shared By People Online Showing affection.

MalibK , DragonImages Report

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a tactile person or one for showing a lot of affection, but one day when a friend gave me some really sad news I just went over to her and held her hand, and later on she said just how much that meant to her.

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Note: this post originally had 100 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.