Some Unwritten Social Rules Everyone Should Know

Social rules are the norms and expectations that guide how we interact with each other. They help us to communicate effectively, cooperate with others, and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings. Some social rules are explicit and written down, such as laws or etiquette manuals. But many social rules are implicit and unwritten, meaning that we learn them through observation, experience, and feedback.

Unwritten social rules can vary depending on the culture, context, and situation. However, there are some universal unwritten social rules that apply to most situations and can help us to be more respectful, considerate, and polite. Here are some of them:

- Meet and greet politely - This involves saying greetings, introductions, and goodbyes; politely offering and receiving compliments; and being able to start and finish conversations.

- Take turns talking - This involves listening when others speak and looking them in the eye; not interrupting; and responding appropriately and at the right time.

- Pay attention to others - This involves stopping what you're doing so you can listen; reading people's emotions through their body language and facial expressions; and changing your behavior to match what other people are doing, such as quieting down with the rest of the room.

- Think about others before acting - This involves not touching without asking; not cutting in line; waiting your turn; and standing a comfortable distance away when talking.

- Cooperate with others - This involves following directions when you're asked to; asking for help when you need it; apologizing when necessary; and being flexible and open to new ideas.

- Your fragrance/cologne has to be discovered, not announced - This means applying your perfume or deodorant sparingly and appropriately, so that it does not overpower or offend others.

- Don't be a dick and hog their radio/music player - This means respecting the preferences of the driver or the host when you're riding with someone in their car or visiting someone's place. Even if they offer you to play your music, play something everyone will like.

- Offer to split their fuel prices - This means being considerate of the expenses of the driver when you're sharing a ride with someone for a considerable distance.

- Don't insult their car - This means being grateful for the favor of getting a ride from someone and not criticizing their vehicle.

- Please sit in front - This means avoiding making the driver feel like your chauffeur when you're the only one sharing the ride with them.

- When someone is nervous or shy in a social scenario, DO NOT point it out to them - This means being supportive and empathetic of their feelings and not making them feel more uncomfortable or embarrassed.

- When two or more people are huddled around you and are talking in low voices, they're probably having a private conversation - This means respecting their privacy and excusing yourself quietly and gracefully.

- Holding the door open or pulling the chair out for people is kind, regardless of gender - This means being courteous and helpful to anyone who could use a hand, without making assumptions about their abilities or expectations.

- Don't do the above if the people in question are far away and they have to do this awkward brisk walk just because you don't have to keep the door open for a while - This means being aware of the timing and distance of your gestures and not making others feel rushed or obligated.

- When you are over at someone's place and they say, "I have a lot of work tomorrow" or "It's getting late.", this is your cue to take their leave - This means understanding their subtle hints that they need some rest or privacy and not overstaying your welcome.

- While you're at it, please clean up after you - This means being a good guest and not leaving a mess behind for your host to deal with.

- Don't one-up someone when they finish telling you a story by telling one of your own - This means being attentive and empathetic when someone is sharing something with you, instead of trying to compete or impress them with your own story. For example, if your friend is telling you about how they got a promotion at work, your first response shouldn't be the story of how you won a prestigious award back in college.

- Don't point out a personal flaw if it can't be fixed in 30 seconds or less - This means being tactful and sensitive when you notice something wrong with someone's appearance or behavior, and only mentioning it if it can be easily corrected. For example, if someone has a stain on their shirt that they can't remove, there's no point in drawing attention to it and making them feel more self-conscious.

- Do not swipe left or right if someone shows you a photo on their phone - This means respecting the privacy and boundaries of the person who is showing you something on their device, and not scrolling through their pictures or apps without their permission. You never know what you might see or accidentally delete.

- Don't ask for something you know a person only has one more of - This means being considerate of the scarcity and value of the item that the person has, and not putting them in a dilemma of whether to share it with you or keep it for themselves. For example, if someone has only one piece of gum left in their pack, don't ask them for it unless they offer it to you first.

- Only suggest to split the check evenly if you ordered the least expensive meal of the group - This means being fair and honest when it comes to paying for a group meal, and not making others pay more than they should for what they ordered. If you ordered something more expensive or had more drinks than others, offer to pay more or cover the tip.

- Don't ask someone how much money they make - This means being respectful of their personal and financial situation, and not prying into their income or expenses. Unless they volunteer this information themselves, it's none of your business how much they earn or spend.

- Don't make fun of someone's laugh- This means being kind and appreciative of their joy and humor, and not mocking or ridiculing their way of expressing it. Laughing is a natural and healthy response that should be encouraged, not discouraged.

- Don't comment on someone's food choices - This means being mindful of their dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies, and not judging or questioning their decisions on what to eat or drink. Unless they ask for your opinion or advice, keep your comments to yourself.

- Don't give unsolicited advice - This means being supportive and empathetic when someone is sharing their problems or challenges with you, and not assuming that you know what's best for them or how to fix their situation. Unless they explicitly ask for your help or guidance, just listen and validate their feelings.

- Don't spoil the ending of a book, movie, show, or game for someone who hasn't seen it yet - This means being considerate of their curiosity and excitement, and not ruining their experience by revealing what happens next or how it ends. If you want to discuss it with them, ask them first if they have seen it or if they mind spoilers.

Source:

(1) Social Rules and Expectations for Children - Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/unwritten-social-rules-for-kids.

(2) 16 Unwritten Social Rules You Should Know To Follow - Storypick. https://www.storypick.com/social-rules-unwritten-unspoken-2/.

(3) Unwritten social rules everyone should know - LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unwritten-social-rules-everyone-should-know-dayal-ram.

(4) 40 Of The Best Answers To "What Is One 'Unwritten Rule' You Think .... https://www.boredpanda.com/people-share-unwritten-rules-in-life/.

(5) People Share 50 Rules Of Life That Are “Unspoken ... - Bored Panda. https://www.boredpanda.com/universally-accepted-unspoken-rules/.

FAQ's

What are some unwritten rules everyone should know?

Unwritten Rules Everyone Should Follow Don't leave your shopping cart in the middle of the aisle. ... If someone hands you their phone to show you a picture, don't look at other photos. Don't start drama at a funeral, or a wedding. ... Don't heat up fish in the office kitchen, or anything else that smells.

What are the 10 social rules?

Social Etiquette Rules to Practice: Be Punctual: Always arrive on time, don't make other people wait for you. ... Avoid Using Cell Phones: ... Always say Please and Thank you: ... Be Observant: ... Maintain Eye Contact: ... Let People get off the Elevator first Before you get on: ... Smile: ... Practice Table Manners:

What unwritten rules should everyone try to live by?

I got them from my life, the internet and Quora to keep them at one place. ALWAYS say Thank you and Sorry wherever needed. “ ... Never ever ever ever break promises. ... Wearing headphones in public is code for “Don't talk to me.” ... Always be good to those who are serving you food.

What are some unwritten rules of everyday life?

Here are some of the best: " Don't ask for something if the person only has one left — gum, cigarette, piece of cake etc." ... " If you use up all of the toilet paper, you go refill it." ... " Don't mess up an apology with an excuse." ... " Buy a plunger before you need a plunger." ... " ... " ... " ... "