The world is run by social norms .
It’s the unspoken backbone behind people getting married, people going to college, and people carefully watching what they say.
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But there comes a time where we have to question these social norms. Are they right? Should we be following this?
Here, people share the 19 social norms they don’t agree with.
Waiting a certain amount of time before texting back so you don’t seem desperate.
This applies a lot to dating. You don’t want to come off as overeager, so you wait to respond double the time the person took. Just reply when you want!
Body positivity being exclusively aimed at women.
“Women who get hair extensions, fake nails, fake boobs, fake eyelashes? Acceptable. A balding man who wants to wear a wig because he feels insecure about losing his hair? fRaGiLe MaLe EgO.” – u/ethanace
Sharing EVERY SINGLE MOMENT of your life online.
There’s a reason the phrase TMI was invented! People overshare all the time, including posting those passive-aggressive statuses online. If you want attention, just say it!
Mandatory after hour company parties or get-togethers.
“Am I getting paid for this team-building experience that’s oh so important? No? Then I spend enough of my time with you people.” – u/nopenonahno. This is why most companies have to bribe employees with free food.
Being respectful to elders even if they treat you like crap.
Just because someone is older than you doesn’t give them the right to talk down to you or treat you terribly. If they have control over how they treat others, there’s no excuse for bad behavior.
The whole concept of certain foods being intended for certain times of the day.
“If I want pizza for breakfast and cereal for dinner that’s what I’m gonna have,” this Redditor wrote. There’s something about Froot Loops at 6 p.m. that just hits different.
That you have to get married in order to have a successful and fulfilling life.
There are many different paths to a happy life, one Redditor argued. You can be just as happy and fulfilled without getting married or having kids.
Filtering your face/body beyond its general appearance
“Editing to get rid of certain blemishes (not including natural pores/skin texture)? Cool. But changing the shape and your actual features? Not cool. It just perpetuates unrealistic standards and makes people’s self esteem go down when seeing these influencers who aren’t flawless in reality.” – u/PetiteEbonyDoll
When people say you have to choose family over friends.
“Even if they treat you like [expletive]. Even if you barely know them. Because they’re ‘family’! I have friends who treat me like family than actual family members.” – u/Nebula__663
Inviting every relative to important life events.
This happens a lot with graduations and weddings. You’re just asking yourself to be cornered into awkward small talk.
And then if you don’t invite someone from the family, you’re made to feel like a terrible person.
That being an introvert is something you need to overcome.
“I would consider myself a confident introvert. I am perfectly fine with this. But I have had many friends and colleagues tell me over the years to come out of my shell or let my guard down etc. There’s no shell, there’s no guard, bye.” – u/HugsyBugsy
Pretending to have social activities during your free time.
There’s nothing wrong with saying that you spent the weekend on the couch, binging Yellowjackets . When you’re working full-time, you deserve the time to kick back and relax. No hobby shaming is allowed here!
Pressing or expecting people to host large weddings.
“Why save for a house when you can feed all of us and let us party for free? But, oh wait, don’t forget about all the gifts that totalllly make up that cost. The worst is people who actually get offended and/or don’t respect the sanctity of the new couple bc their wedding wasn’t lavish enough.” – u/marisolm9
Opening gifts in front of other guests at parties and then announcing every item and who gave it to them.
“It’s the lowest form of consumerism. Like ‘look how much money Chad and Karen spent on me!”
If you’re not out of your parents’ place by the time you’re in your mid-20s, then you’re a failure.
In certain parts of the world, this is normal. According to this Redditor, it’s very normal in Asia for single people, men and women alike, with careers and company jobs to live with their parents.
Hugs.
“As a kid I hated being forced to hug hello and goodbye and having no body autonomy. But now as an adult, I have social anxiety and I find hugs so awkward and uncomfortable.” – u/bouquetofpencils91
That women have to be hairless in order to be viewed as beautiful.
This social norm is incredibly damaging to a woman’s self-esteem, beginning when she’s young. It’s why young girls are shaving their legs in order to feel beautiful and accepted.
Having kids.
“I quite like my freedom and downtime to give to myself thank you very much life is hard enough. If I did change my mind like just adopt there are plenty of children who need homes, good homes.” – u/EnterData
Hustle culture.
This was made famous by several social media #BossBabes, like Rachel Hollis.
It’s extremely toxic for people to glorify working insane hours so you can make more money and feel successful. A work/life balance is more important!
