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Someone Asked, “What Is Your Golden Rule?”, Here Are 69 Of The Best Responses

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Although the golden rule is often associated with religion, essentially, it's the ethical principle of treating other people as one's self would prefer to be treated. Whether referred to as the golden rule of Christianity or any other religion, it's a universal law that can be applied to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. However, while just one golden rule is widely known and accepted, there can be numerous.

In essence, the golden rules refer to subjective principles a person always obeys, no matter the circumstances. And while the universal rules of life may differ per individual, they usually contain advice that may benefit, if not everyone, then many individuals. When a while back, someone asked on Reddit, "What is your golden rule?" from the number of upvotes on the entries, it became apparent that many people share similar rules to live by.

Below, we've compiled some of the best answers from the thread, sharing the golden rules people abide by. Do you agree with any of the rules below? If you do, make sure to give them an upvote! Also, what is the golden rule you follow that hasn't been mentioned in the list? Let us know in the comments!

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#1

"If you make a mistake, apologize sincerely."

calicomonkey Report

32points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

This is a must, although i Also tend to explain how i made the mistake, when there is an explanation....

1point

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#2

"You can measure a person's soul by how they treat service staff."

unpopular_speech Report

28points

lili 1 year ago

I was raised by someone who treated wait staff poorly and it took someone else opening my eyes to see how wrong it was. I'm disgusted by how I acted and how I was taught to act. I'm pleased with the respect I've learnt to show

3points

#3

"Be where you said you were going to be when you said you were going to be there."

KontraEpsilon Report

24points

Uncanny 1 year ago (edited)

Absolutely. People who are always late are showing contempt for those who are always on time and constantly kept waiting. It’s just so, so rude. It baffles me that people think that doing this is ok.

5points

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#4

mintzie said:
"Be hard on the problem and soft on the person."

WaffleFoxes replied:
"My religious extended family did such a great job of this. They're the "genuine believer" sorts that do missions trips and visit prisons and such. They deeply believe that some things are sinful and you shouldn't do them.

However, when one son got his high school girlfriend pregnant they just did what they could to support them both. Another son brought his new girlfriend - a former stripper - to the family reunion and everybody was perfectly welcoming. They're good at taking the "This isn't the path we would have chosen, but we're family so sit down and grab one of grandma's cookies and let's play some Rummikub" point of view."

mintzie , WaffleFoxes Report

22points

Neuridivergent 1 year ago

True christian behavior. Following christ should be a choice. Everyone has to follow their own path there, if they do. It is not a choice if you don't know different, are forced, shamed into it or excommunicated if you don't. More humanist than anything else because i know the archeological history of the Bible.

1point

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#5

"If you don't have time to do it right, what makes you think you have time to do it twice?"

22points

bElLa sTairZz 1 year ago

because i can do it again later, when i have more time, i just need it to last until then

3points

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#6

"Be a decent/kind human being, regardless of whether or not it will benefit you. The world needs more good people, why not be one?"

cosmic_serendipity Report

21points

#7

"Always wash out my oatmeal bowl immediately after finishing it."

catcalliope Report

19points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

Either that.... Or leat it soak for a wille if you forget to wash it right afterwards....

3points

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#8

"You don't know what someone else may be dealing with, so be understanding. Always be honest. Try to do the right thing, even when no one is watching."

reddit.com Report

19points

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#9

"If you aren't bothering me and/or hurting anyone, I don't give really care what you're doing."

reddit.com Report

18points

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#10

"Everything in moderation."

ssideirish Report

18points

Theoretical Empiricist 1 year ago

Including moderation.

3points

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#11

"Don't tell people what emotion they are feeling. Whether you outright accuse them of it (i.e. "You don't have to get so upset about it!", "Stop overreacting", etc.) or indirectly claim it through a question (i.e. "Why do you get so embarrassed when..."), it is often embarrassing or even insulting to the individual to have their entire current state of being reduced to a single word. That word you just accused them of being, even when used with the best intentions, does not even come close to the way they are really feeling.

This is my philosophy on why the common "Calm down", "Stop overreacting", etc. are often responded to with "I AM CALM" or "I'M NOT OVERREACTING." It's not that they disagree with you, it's that you are misrepresenting the way they feel. Instead, try asking them how they feel. Let them describe it to you because once you understand them in their own terms, you will better understand how they are perceiving the conversation. I have become very aware of this and find that my conversations are much more meaningful and effective when I make a conscious effort to avoid it."

AnchoredDown Report

17points

Sonja 1 year ago

No one can control what emotional reactions they have. Emotions just happen and no one can control what or how they feel. But people can indeed decide what they do with those emotions and how to react to the situation. And so what you should do is using your emotions and evaluate the situation considering them. If you do that and the emotional response wasn't reasonable, you'll calm down yourself,but if it was reasonable, those emotions will bring you to action to solve the problems causing them.

2points

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#12

"Always restart your computer first."

upward_bound Report

17points

#13

"Be tolerant of others' beliefs, ideals, and choices. If it's not affecting you or yours, it's really none of your business."

lipsticklady Report

17points

Debbie 1 year ago

This one and the "if you arne't bothering me and /or hurting anyone, I don't really care what you're doing" - I'm not sure. Doesn't that also imply turning your back on the world? Not correcting kids/people to make the world a better place? Yes ofcourse there is a limit in how much to meddle with other peoples. Be tolerant, but also, guide, educate, speak up about unacceptable behaviour. If people did that more, there might be less a******s around and people would be more aware of the impact of their behaviour on the world around them.

0points

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#14

"Be a leader, not a boss."

16points

Thegoodboi 1 year ago (edited)

👏 Lead 👏 By 👏 Example! 👏 Practice 👏 What 👏 You 👏 Preach 👏 Thank you..

1point

#15

"Everyone has a story. There's a reason for the behavior of everyone. Reach out when you see people in need. You can change lives."

Submissivekitten814 Report

15points

#16

"Driver picks the music. Don't touch my radio, I won't touch yours."

ticklemejimjam , StealthyOwl Report

15points

Neuridivergent 1 year ago

If passenger changes the music, they sit in the back

0points

#17

"Don't make promises you can't keep or don't plan on keeping."

Valkyrie21 Report

14points

Thegoodboi 1 year ago

My wife does this. "Where? Oh Yeah! We'll be there give us a minute!" *Me sitting in my undies* What did you just agree to?...

1point

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#18

"Kindness. I find little tolerance for cruel and rude behavior."

reddit.com Report

14points

#19

"Don't argue in front of the kids."

seriously_serious_ Report

14points

bElLa sTairZz 1 year ago

wish more people remembered this, the world would be a much better place

2points

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#20

"'Do not speak of the ocean to the frog that lives in the well.'

It's great to be open to new things, but you'll be much happier when you accept that you can't drag everyone along with you. You'll waste a lot of breath and just get tuned out. Everyone has to find their own path."

fastlerner Report

14points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

Deep, i like this analogy, Im a firm believer in the motto " live and let live "

4points

#21

temporary_spastic said:
"Never make fun of or criticize someone's job. If they are working hard to provide for themselves and their family, then that is something that should be admired and respected no matter how unglamorous the job may be."

Barefootsurf replied:
"The only job to be ashamed of is a job done poorly."

temporary_spastic , Barefootsurf Report

13points

Sonja 1 year ago

If someone is willing to pay for it, then it's a real job were a need exists. And jobs should be paid in regards of the winnings it brings the company and not some vague idea of prestige. The work of a fast food worker generates billions for the fast food company. So no matter how 'unskilled' it is, not paying a living wage is a scam.

0points

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#22

"Just because someone worked in the company longer than you, or was there before you, doesn't necessarily make them more competent than you."

reddit.com Report

13points

#23

"Don't shoot down an idea you can't improve upon."

buyongmafanle Report

13points

Neuridivergent 1 year ago

True. There was an issue with the wild horse population in the US being too big and they were visibly starving. Since they were on national park land people complained until the government started feeding them. A healthy herd will double in size every four years. There is not enough of a market for wild horses so there was talk of spaying them. (Has to be the females since one intact male can impregnate them all.) Then the complaint was that the spaying is major surgery in a horse and without post operative care, many would die of infection. Ok, what are we supposed to do?

1point

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#24

"Be humble. Never flaunt what you have."

VivaLaSea Report

13points

Debbie 1 year ago

Be proud of what you accomplished, don't diminish your hard work. Be proud of your experience but don't become arrogant. No need to be humble about everything imo. Just don't be an arrogant about it.

2points

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#25

"If I have the ability and the resources to help someone, it's my job to do my part."

inselfwetrust Report

13points

Uncanny 1 year ago (edited)

Wouldn’t it be nice if this became the billionaire’s mantra?

6points

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#26

Theshycamel said:
"Always check behind a closed shower curtain before going to the bathroom."

Unknown replied: "So true! My family always closes the shower curtain to "make it look nice". I have to have it open 'because murderers'."

Theshycamel , reddit.com Report

12points

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#27

"I'm not buying anything someone is trying to sell me. I buy things that I have found A need for."

12points

OnAFreakingRollercoaster 1 year ago

Yeah, hear that telemarketers?

0points

#28

"If an opportunity comes by to do something cool and is unlikely to re-present itself in the near future, take it."

ANuclearNarwhal Report

12points

#29

"Be honest with yourself."

12points

Debbie 1 year ago

This is a really hard one.

0points

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#30

"The way one grows up, the hardships someone experiences through life is not a valid excuse for bad behavior. Let the past go and instead use it to make you a more mindful and developed person."

reddit.com Report

12points

bElLa sTairZz 1 year ago

this is far easier said than done though, be patient with people, aslong as you can see that their trying

4points

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#31

"Always look for a free/open-source alternative for software first.

In 99% of the cases, you'll find something that is equally well or even better."

reddit.com Report

12points

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#32

"'The safest way to double your money is to fold it over twice and put it in your pocket' - Frank McKinney Hubbard

Was an impulsive buyer and this changed my life."

housedelirium Report

11points

Thegoodboi 1 year ago

Can I borrow some money?

0points

#33

Stabfacenotback said:
"The best things in life aren't things."

Leonoor8 replied:
"My parents have a little frame with a picture of me and my sister with this text on the frame."

Stabfacenotback , Leonoor8 Report

11points

#34

"Man everyone here has good rules while mine is just 'always try to p**p before you shower'"

11points

Debbie 1 year ago

This one is undebatable though. The other rules are lacking context and I keep finding reasons why the rule wouldn't be good. This one I cant argue about. It sucks if you are under the shower and then need to poop...

0points

#35

"Trust, but verify."

straycat2001 , Anastik Report

10points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

Nop, 1st verify, then trust.

2points

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#36

"Not to be aggressive ever while angry, unless it's self-defense."

ArchangelRyzera Report

10points

Theoretical Empiricist 1 year ago

And when it's at that point, fight dirty!

1point

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#37

"Never be too quick to judge."

CeeJaY97 Report

10points

Debbie 1 year ago

"Be willing to adjust your judgment"

2points

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#38

"We know the golden rule is "treat others how you would like to be treated," but I prefer, "treat others how they want to be treated." Who knows anyone better than themselves."

heyhey91 Report

10points

#39

"Whatever you are, be a good one."

EtherealProphet Report

10points

#40

"Never betray anyone's secret if they've entrusted it to me. Enemies can become friends just as easily as friends can become enemies. Their trust in my reasoning is never to be used as levity."

Garbagio Report

10points

Debbie 1 year ago

This also means that you don't share it with your SO. So yes, sometimes, secrets are being kept a secret.

2points

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#41

"Always, ALWAYS, let people underestimate you. That way, it's easier to beat them."

BlatantConservative Report

9points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

This is true, never show your cards, play " dumb " for a wille, and " read " the other people, they Will show their true face if think you're a little " simpleton "..

2points

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#42

Est92Female said:
"When in doubt, turn left."

Unknown replied:
"I'm spinning like a dreidel at this point, don't think I'm doing it right."

Est92Female , reddit.com Report

9points

#43

"If you lend friends or family money, never assume you will be repaid."

alhackbarth Report

9points

#44

"If you're not weird life is boring."

tkdking98 Report

9points

Rachel 1 year ago

Growing up my mom would always say "we're all somebody's wierdo." So true.

1point

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#45

"Mine is, under-promise, over-deliver."

8points

Debbie 1 year ago

No, people will not know how to eh how do you say it, "wat ze aan je hebben" - sometimes doing as is requested, asked, is best, it is clear, simple, people don't start to expect more from you (last time I asked them to sweep the path they promised to clean the doormat and then tidied the entire front garden! So next time if I ask them to get some weeds out in the backyard I might end up with a complete garden renovation...)

1point

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#46

"Just because you're different doesn't mean you're useful."

8points

#47

symptic said:
"Be excellent to each other."

NukeUtopia replied:
"And party on, dude."

symptic , NukeUtopia Report

8points

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#48

"Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver."

xdjeagle Report

8points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

Deppends, i personaly like the nylon reinforced One, that One is transparent and white....

2points

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#49

I_Raptus said:
"What you do to one side of an equation, you must do to the other."

rolandhorn27 replied:
"Equivalent Exchange."

I_Raptus , rolandhorn27 Report

7points

#50

"My grandmother's golden rules that stuck with me all my life. Never let someone borrow your car, gun, or your woman."

7points

#51

"You are responsible for your actions, but don't let people tell you that you are responsible for their feelings. Everyone controls their own emotions. Nobody "makes" you feel anyway."

Toxichuff Report

7points

Debbie 1 year ago

Edit: yes I can be responsible for how you feel. My actions affect others and I try to be considerate of others people feelings. If not I'd feel like an insensitive jerk. I'll leave the cat out of it now.

-2points

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#52

"Never go back out with exes. If you sell your car because it's a lemon you don't buy it back the next week because you miss the smell of the interior, it's still a lemon."

7points

OnAFreakingRollercoaster 1 year ago (edited)

Dunno about this one. People can change, cars not so much (not for the better anyway) Source: if my now husband hadn't given me a 2nd try, we would've missed out on the 16 years and 4 wonderful kids that we now share 😊

5points

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#53

"The Golden Rule: those who have the gold make the rules."

6points

#54

"Spend no more than $50 during a Steam sale."

Chestnut_Bowl Report

6points

Debbie 1 year ago

And check steamdb.info first.

0points

#55

damamas said:
"Have more than you show, speak less than you know."

DomainError replied:
"Never reveal your power level."

damamas , DomainError Report

6points

#56

"If someone has more wins than losses, I'll be Sub-Zero. If they have more losses than wins I'll be either Predator, Raiden, Takeda, or Goro."

Harperlarp Report

6points

#57

"Always put horseradish in a Bloody Mary."

magicbullets Report

6points

#58

"When an argument breaks out, stay neutral until your hand is forced. Think of yourself as Switzerland, this neutral body just observing warring factions at work/school etc."

Chumpo121 Report

5points

bElLa sTairZz 1 year ago

'if your not with us your against us' great way to drive yourself away from both sides, switzerland has banks that held money from the wealthy of both sides, they would have lost to much is they went to war. you are not them

2points

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#59

"Always move forward."

brainkandy87 Report

5points

Sonja 1 year ago

Those who don't remember history are prone of repeating it. Sometimes it's healthy to stop and rethink instead of just plowing forward

0points

#60

"You're just the same as every other hump that drew breath. We're all fighting our own problems. Don't ever think you're better than someone else."

5points

#61

"Good egg rule. If you are making conversation and ask 3 questions without them asking you anything, they are not a good egg."

5points

lili 1 year ago (edited)

Or they are shy/introverted? Edit: Or social anxiety

3points

#62

"If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."

5points

Debbie 1 year ago

Or pay a lot of money for it.

0points

#63

"All software is broken. (I've been doing software QA for a while...)"

SportTheFoole Report

4points

Debbie 1 year ago

Or from another perspective: no software is ever finished.

1point

#64

The_Fassbender said:
"Morals, Empathy, Motives, Effort."

3dank5maymay replied:
"Does Anyone Notice Kindness is missing?"

The_Fassbender , 3dank5maymay Report

4points

OnAFreakingRollercoaster 1 year ago

That there is a MEME 😉

2points

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#65

"When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles scream, and shout."

real_actual_doctor Report

4points

Paulo Freitas 1 year ago (edited)

" Prometheus school of running away from things " ( Google it its hilarious ), Im more of the style Run away as fast and as far as you can ( in case of trouble ), when in doubt, just walk the other way, if the " doubt " starts following you, then procede to " the trouble " method.

2points

#66

"Break only one law at a time."

seanfire Report

4points

#67

"Don't be a melt."

Gandhi32k Report

2points

#68

"The moment someone scares you, they've won."

wilfredjt Report

1point

Sonja 1 year ago

No, just no. Being aware of one's fear is important. And if it's reasonable it's irresponsible to not take it into consideration. Fear is a useful emotion you should listen to. It can teach you a lot about yourself. Don't ignore it or you'll fail eventually. If someone scares you, take a step back and evaluate the situation and then act accordingly and carefully plan your counter measure.

0points

#69

"Don't trust people that wear bow-ties or tell you their life story within the first 5 minutes of meeting them."

gamehunter Report

0points

bElLa sTairZz 1 year ago

couldnt agree more

1point

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Larysa Perih

I’m a visual editor at Bored Panda. My work is to find or create visuals for articles about home and design. I enjoy making small illustrations and improving my skills in Adobe Illustrator. After work, I try to do something active like running, yoga, cycling, or skateboarding, mostly because it allows me to spend more time outdoors and not sitting behind my desk.

I’m a visual editor at Bored Panda. My work is to find or create visuals for articles about home and design. I enjoy making small illustrations and improving my skills in Adobe Illustrator. After work, I try to do something active like running, yoga, cycling, or skateboarding, mostly because it allows me to spend more time outdoors and not sitting behind my desk.

Violeta Lyskoit

Violeta is an SEO Editor at Bored Panda. She has completed her higher education at Northumbria University with a bachelor's degree in Media & Journalism.

Violeta is an SEO Editor at Bored Panda. She has completed her higher education at Northumbria University with a bachelor's degree in Media & Journalism.

What do you think ?

Debbie 1 year ago

Lots of these lack proper context for correct use imo. They work well in some situations but not in all, so I guess it's this: "they're more like guidelines anyway"

1point

Debbie 1 year ago

Lots of these lack proper context for correct use imo. They work well in some situations but not in all, so I guess it's this: "they're more like guidelines anyway"

1point

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