These days, the term ” common sense ” is about as big an oxymoron as there is. It seems that somehow along the way, we’ve all forgotten how to properly co-exist with one another.
I’m talking about the social contract ; the unwritten rules and etiquette of our society. Now, I want to know which of these unwritten rules of life do people actually follow?
“Don’t watch loud videos on your phone at a restaurant.”
I’d like to take this a step further and say don’t watch loud videos on your phone in public. Period. That goes double for FaceTiming, too. Instead, why not make use of your earbuds or invest in a pair of headphones?
Have respect retail workers.
“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.” – Reddit u/i_dunno_mate_159
Don’t disturb someone wearing headphones.
Why is it that certain people feel the need to sit down beside total strangers (who clearly have no interest in being disturbed) and begin gabbing away like they were long-lost friends? Read the room, people.
Be mindful when someone else is footing the bill.
“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.)” – Reddit u/yomomma1000
“The ‘wave’ of thank you when someone lets you in while driving in traffic. It’s just polite.”
Nothing irritates me more than when I don’t get the courtesy wave after letting someone into traffic. I just did you a favor, the least you could do is acknowledge it.
Don’t always assume that people have time for your problems.
“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!” – Reddit u/lucille1234
“If a public restroom isn’t crowded, do not take a stall/urinal immediately next to one that is occupied.”
Stage fright is a real thing. There’s nothing worse than getting psyched out at the urinal in a clutch situation simply because some jackass didn’t have the wherewithal to stand one toilet over.
Never forget passenger etiquette.
“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.” – Reddit u/Thatweirdboringdude
“Fully stop at stop signs, especially in neighborhoods when you are turning right.”
Just because there may not be any cars on the road doesn’t mean that there aren’t children playing nearby. Do the right thing and come to a complete stop.
“On an escalator, stand on the right so people can walk on the left.”
Escalators are usually pure anarchy , with people scattered everywhere left and right. If you choose to ride the escalator, the least you can do is keep to the side.
“If you have to regularly borrow an item, just buy your own.”
No matter how much you think your friend or neighbor doesn’t mind when you borrow their lawnmower or power washer, trust me — they do. Nobody likes a mooch, so stop relying on the kindness of others to get you by in life.
Don’t be selfish when using public transit.
“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,” Reddit user Lightmareman explained.
“If you see your server or bartender at a restaurant talking to another table, it’s just common courtesy to wait for them to finish.”
Believe it or not, your needs don’t come above those of others. Be patient , wait your turn, or just stay home to eat. It really isn’t all that hard.
Try not to be greedy when asking friends for favors.
“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,” writes Redditor mstaff388
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“When you walk into a store, don’t stop at the entrance, while trying to remember what you came to buy.”
There’s nothing more annoying than walking into someone’s backside because they all of a sudden stop short after walking through a store’s automatic doors. Keep the flow of traffic moving!
What unwritten rules do you follow? Leave a comment and let us know!
