Recently, Reddit user u/0_7_0 decided to find out what are the prime examples of common sense.
On July 13, they made a post on r/AskReddit, asking people "What is one 'unwritten rule' that you believe everyone should know and follow?" And it blew up.
As of this article, u/0_7_0's question has received over 3,400 comments, many of which are valuable tidbits we all should listen to. Here are some of the most upvoted ones.
This post may include affiliate links.
If I show you a picture on my phone, don't go swiping sideways.
If someone is wearing headphones and is clearly keeping to themselves, leave them alone!
Don't litter. It's really not hard to just not litter
Its not hard to keep it in a pocket until you find a bin
Don't watch loud videos on your phone at a restaurant. Can't believe this isn't common courtesy anymore
If someone is giving you a ride, you should be ready at the door before they get there. It’s so rude to have someone waiting on you when they are doing you a favor by picking you up
The 'wave' of thank you when someone lets you in while driving in traffic. It's just polite
Just because you know someone who does something for a living, that doesn't automatically mean they owe you a discount if you ask for their services.
I don't do art for a living but I do take commissions sometimes and this bothers me so heckin much...
If you want to go for a hike and listen to music, come with earphones or headphones. Don't blast loud music.
Quit pissing on public toilet seats. And if you do, at least have the decency to wipe it up
Or leaving little drops on the seat. Even if it's by accident, no one else wants to wipe it off so they can sit.
Don't just show up randomly at someone's house. Call, text, or otherwise reach out and positivity confirm that it's okay before heading to someone else's home.
I have some really close friends that we're comfortable enough to just rock up to each others houses, but don't do that unless it's someone you know won't have a problem with it.
When you have a complaint with a retail store or business, please remember that the person you are speaking too (or yelling at sadly) is just the one that happened to pick up the phone or is standing at the till. they likely have nothing to do with what went wrong and have little sway in what can be done to help. They dont need to be yelled and screamed at for something they did not do or is under the control of a corporate office/higher up.
I always talk in a polite and friendly manner when making complaints. I have found they are more likely to go above and beyond to help. And always thank them afterwards and compliment their ability to help as it makes their day.
Don’t touch pregnant people’s bellies.
What is it about being pregnant that suddenly makes other people feel entitled to touch you without asking.
PERSONAL SPACE (even when not in a pandemic)
I really care about personal space. Its one of the most important things
Don't leave perishable items in random aisles or at the checkout. You're wasting food and driving prices up.
Stand back before boarding a bus, subway, metro, or elevator so that those on can get off quickly without having to wait for you to back up first
On an escalator, stand on the right so people can walk on the left.
If u borrow even a damn dollar and promise to bring it back, bring it back
People, pls don't lend money you can't give. Meaning that you shouldn't go out of your way to lend what you can't afford to give. That way, if the person doesn't return it, you won't be broke. Thank you
Double flush if you must. Nobody wants to see your poop crumbs.
Never comment a person's weight, if they lost it, if they gained some. It's just very rude either way.
Don't talk loudly on the phone while you're in public transportation, it's super uncomfortable for everyone
Give up your seat to the pregnant lady on the bus/train (or to anyone else who needs it. Don't take up two seats because you like to put your feet/bag up).
Never ask a person if they're pregnant. It's just rude and you never know their medical history.
Similarly, never ask when they plan to have a child, or why they don't have children already. It's not your business and you don't know what trauma you may unveil. Maybe they had a miscarriage, maybe they did have a child who died at birth, or maybe they have been struggling to get pregnant.
If you borrow a friends car or truck, always return it with a full tank of gas.
The last one to go to bed has to turn all the lights off
When someone else is paying the bill, you shouldn't order something very pricey. (It's understandable if something expensive is the only thing you are able to eat.)
When you are shopping/looking for clothes and suddenly decide you don't want it anymore, put it back where you found it. Don't just dump it somewhere — it makes life hard for both workers who are cleaning up and the customers looking for something to buy.
If you make an appointment and can’t keep it, cancel or let someone know. I manage sales for a car dealership and we thrive on appointments. We understand things come up, just let us know. That simple gesture goes a long way.
Car salesmen can be very pushy though! My mum ended up making an appointment because the person talking to her wouldn't take no for an answer but she had no intention of buying the car and didn't attend. I understand what you're saying but she didn't want to have to ring and engage with him again, having been intimidated into making the initial appointment.
If your advice or opinion wasn’t asked for, don’t give it.
I believe it's called a conversation. People have been having them for a very VERY long time. People need to stop making everything about them.
If you are going to talk with someone about your problems/issues, do a quick check-in first. Like, 'Are you in a good space for me to talk this out with you?' I’ve used it a few times, and I think just the basic courtesy of asking is such a relief to people!
The last of any food/drink is reserved for whoever bought said food/drink
Always leave stuff cleaner than it was when you got to it (campsites, AirBnBs, anything shared with people really)
If someone can't fix an aspect of their appearance in five minutes or less, don't mention it.
If you’re about to turn the light on in a dark room and someone is there, you have to announce what you’re about to do so the person doesn’t get a surprise. I feel like it’s really disrespectful to turn the light on without announcing it
When walking through a store, treat the aisles like lanes on a road. Keep to the right.
Don't bombard people with a ton of taking when they obviously feel tired and overwhelmed, they are having enough trouble with their own stuff, to deal with all of your stuff.
Never drink the last beer if you didn't buy them.
Someone on a budget wrote this. If you're offered the last beer, you get the last beer.
Also, if someone doesn't speak your language, don't yell the words at them. They are not def, they just don't understand you
The platinum rule: treat others as they want to be treated. Something you think is polite and respectful might be insulting to them
Load More Replies...I think this could be a much longer list. For example, 1. If it's down to two ice cubes, refill the tray. 2. It someone is using their turn signal (that is, you can figure out what they want), let them merge. 3. If something is running out (paper, toilet paper, cold beverages) and you know how to refill it and there's that item available, refill it. 4. Unless you have a mask on, sneeze into your dang elbow already. 5. If someone smiles and says hello or good morning, say it back. A less obvious one: 1. Don't tell a parent of a special needs child how to better help their child --especially if you don't know the situation very well. I would say even if you do know it well. You have no idea how challenging it is to manage this and having random suggestions (some of which logically aren't even possible, in conjunction with other suggestions) is even worse. There's more, but I'll stop.
The original post on Reddit is much longer: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ojm9te/what_is_one_unwritten_rule_that_you_believe/
Load More Replies...Also, if someone doesn't speak your language, don't yell the words at them. They are not def, they just don't understand you
The platinum rule: treat others as they want to be treated. Something you think is polite and respectful might be insulting to them
Load More Replies...I think this could be a much longer list. For example, 1. If it's down to two ice cubes, refill the tray. 2. It someone is using their turn signal (that is, you can figure out what they want), let them merge. 3. If something is running out (paper, toilet paper, cold beverages) and you know how to refill it and there's that item available, refill it. 4. Unless you have a mask on, sneeze into your dang elbow already. 5. If someone smiles and says hello or good morning, say it back. A less obvious one: 1. Don't tell a parent of a special needs child how to better help their child --especially if you don't know the situation very well. I would say even if you do know it well. You have no idea how challenging it is to manage this and having random suggestions (some of which logically aren't even possible, in conjunction with other suggestions) is even worse. There's more, but I'll stop.
The original post on Reddit is much longer: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ojm9te/what_is_one_unwritten_rule_that_you_believe/
Load More Replies...