Our society has a ton of written and unwritten rules . There’s a social etiquette of sorts, one that dictates how we interact with one another and what we can and cannot say.
Most things are pretty straightforward, but some are straight-up ludicrous. Have a look at these 15 things that are socially unacceptable , but really shouldn’t be.
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Sleeping in.
“Waking up at 11am[sic] or later,” writes Redditor FaroutIGE. “I’m not lazy. my[sic] responsibilities are taken care of. i[sic] stay up late and value my sleep hours.”
If I sleep past 9:30 AM, I become filled with this immense guilt like I’ve wasted the day — anyone else?
Staying sober.
Being the DD at the party will usually result in boos and taunting from the crowd. “Why don’t you just take a cab,” they’ll ask you.
“Because at 30, staying sober is better than being hungover,” you’ll reply.
“I’m a grown man and I love flowers. Not even ‘masculine’ flowers, I have an orchid collection.”
Here’s a sad fact for you: the only time that the majority of men ever “receive” flowers as a gift is at their own funeral. Don’t presume that just because we’re men that we don’t also like pretty things.
“Not wanting to hold other people’s babies…”
Other people’s children are like ticking time bombs to me. No, I don’t want to hold your baby; thanks but no thanks. I’m more than content to keep parenting a spectator sport for the foreseeable future.
Men crying or showing any kind of emotion.
This is starting to change but not fast enough. More often than not, men feel like they have something to apologize for if they ever become emotionally vulnerable — especially in public.
Being single.
Getting married or being in a relationship isn’t for everyone. If a man or woman makes the conscious decision to live their lives independent, that doesn’t mean that there’s something missing or wrong with them.
Staying in on a Friday night, so that your dog won’t be lonely.
“Turning down an invitation to go out simply because you’d rather stay home with your pets, save money, and preserve your mental health in glorious solitude,” writes Redditor SJBailey03
You had me at “pets.”
Answering the question “how are you?” open and honestly.
I grew up in a time where the only acceptable response to “how are you?” was to say “I’m fine thanks, how are you?”
But these days if you ask such an open (and loaded) question — be prepared to hear the truth.
Going on playground equipment as an adult.
“I friggin love going on the swings, I’m 30 and it still fascinates me that I can quickly and easily get 10-15 feet (or higher) in the air with some simple leg movement.” – Reddit u/chewblekka
Cursing or using swear words.
The fact that it’s 2021 and we still regard a handful of words as being taboo or inherently “bad” is borderline laughable. If my 89-year-old nana utters the occasional curse then trust me — we all do it.
Not answering your front door, even though you’re at home.
“When there’s like a salesman at someone’s door, they won’t want to answer but they will act like no one is home, and be really quiet so the person outside the door doesn’t hear them. But it’s your house.” – Reddit u/Waddlow
Napping at work.
Lunch breaks are for personal time and should be used at the employee’s disposal (within reason). If you want to eat, then eat. If you want to take a 30-minute power nap in your car, all the power to you.
Calling in sick to work.
“In some places, calling in sick, because it’s “letting down the team” or whatever. Screw off, I’m sick as a dog. There’s little I will accomplish other than feeling like death warmed up, so you aren’t missing out on much.” – Reddit u/GoabNZ
Dining alone.
Our society has a stigma around dining alone. It’s crazy to think that the majority of us have never once even considered having a solo meal at a restaurant. All I can say is don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Deciding to not have children.
“Being open/honest about not having kids. In my personal life[sic] I have gotten more ridicule and very pointed questions bordering on disrespectful over being childfree than about any of my other opinions.” – Reddit u/RattusDraconis
What do you think are some socially unacceptable things that shouldn’t be? Leave a comment and let us know!
h/t: Reddit
