Implied social rules often dictate our daily interactions, even though they may not be obvious immediately. To gain wisdom into these unwritten guidelines, we’ve gathered some key insights shared by participants in an online conversation.
Helping With the Dishes
“If you’re a guest, offer to help clean up.”
“Offering to help with the dishes is always appreciated.”
“When you go to someone’s house, help with the cleanup.”
Avoiding a Loud Phone Conversation
“Don’t have loud conversations in quiet places.”
“Lower your voice if you must take a call in a public place.”
Giving People Their Personal Space
“In an empty room, don’t sit right next to the only other person.”
“Don’t sit too close to someone if there are plenty of other seats available.”
“Respecting personal space is important.”
Chewing With Your Mouth Closed
“Chew with your mouth closed, no one wants to see that.”
“Please, for the love of god, chew quietly.”
“It’s polite to chew with your mouth closed.”
Holding the Door for Others
“Hold the door for people behind you.”
“If someone’s carrying something, open the door for them.”
“Hold the door open for the person behind you.”
Not Interrupting Someone While They’re Speaking
“Don’t interrupt people when they’re talking.”
“Interrupting others is incredibly rude.”
“Wait your turn to speak in a conversation.”
Giving Up Your Seat for Someone in Need
“If you’re on a bus or train, give up your seat for elderly, pregnant, or disabled people.”
“Always be aware of who may need a seat more than you.”
“Offer your seat to those who need it.”
Elevator Etiquette
“Let people off the elevator before you get on.”
“If you’re near the elevator button, ask people which floor they need.”
“Move to the back of the elevator to make room for others.”
Escalator Etiquette
“Stand on the right side of the escalator so that people can walk up the left side.”
“Don’t stop at the top of the escalator. Keep moving.”
“Be aware of your surroundings on an escalator.”
Tipping at Restaurants
“Tip at least 15% for decent service at a restaurant.”
“Always tip your server if they provided good service.”
“If you’re unsure about tipping, ask a local.”
Returning Your Shopping Cart
“Put your shopping cart back in the cart return area.”
“Don’t leave your cart in a parking space.”
“Always return your cart for the next person.”
Not Talking During a Movie
“Don’t talk during movies at the theater.”
“Whispering in the theater is still distracting.”
“Save your comments for after the movie.”
Acknowledging Someone When They Enter a Room
“If someone walks into a room, acknowledge them.”
“Make eye contact and smile or nod at the person entering the room.”
“It’s polite to acknowledge people when they join a group or enter a room.”
Using Headphones in Public Places
“Wear headphones if you’re listening to music or watching videos in public.”
“The number of times I’ve wanted to say, ‘Please use headphones. There are other people here.’”
“Headphones are a must for public transportation.”
Minding Your Own Business
“Don’t eavesdrop on other people’s conversations.”
“Don’t read over someone’s shoulder in public.”
“Give people privacy in public spaces.”
Waiting Your Turn in Line
“Don’t cut in line. Wait your turn.”
“Don’t crowd the person in front of you.”
“Cutting in line is extremely rude.”
Keeping Your Voice Down in Quiet Areas
“Be quiet in places like libraries, museums, or other quiet spaces.”
“Whisper if you need to talk in a quiet area.”
“Respect the quiet zones.”
Knocking Before Entering a Closed Door
“Always knock before entering a room with a closed door.”
“Give people privacy and knock before entering.”
“You should always knock before entering someone else’s space.”
Keeping Shared Spaces Clean
“Clean up after yourself in communal areas.”
“Don’t leave a mess for others to deal with.”
“If you make a mess, clean it up.”
Respecting Others’ Time
“Be punctual and don’t waste other people’s time.”
“If you’re running late, let people know.”
“Being consistently late is disrespectful.”
Covering Your Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
“Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.”
“Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth.”
“Coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth is gross.”
Offering Help to Someone Struggling
“If you see someone in need, offer to help.”
“Helping others in need is a kind gesture.”
“Sometimes, a small act of kindness goes a long way.”
Returning Borrowed Items
“Always return things you’ve borrowed from others.”
“Treat borrowed items with respect and return them promptly.”
“It’s important to return borrowed items in good condition.”
Not Oversharing Personal Information
“Avoid sharing too much personal information with strangers or acquaintances.”
“Some things are best kept private.”
“Not everyone needs to know everything about your life.”
Avoiding Talking About Sensitive Subjects
“Don’t bring up religion or politics in casual conversation.”
“Avoid discussing controversial topics in social settings.”
“Some topics can create tension and are best avoided.”
Respecting People’s Dietary Choices
“Don’t criticize someone’s food choices or dietary restrictions.”
“Respect people’s dietary preferences.”
“It’s not your place to judge someone’s food choices.”
Being Aware of Cultural Differences
“Learn about the cultural norms when traveling or interacting with people from different backgrounds.”
“Respect cultural differences and be open to learning.”
“Don’t assume your way is the only way.”
Keeping Unsolicited Advice to Yourself
“Don’t give advice unless it’s asked for.”
“Unsolicited advice can be annoying and intrusive.”
“Sometimes, people just want to vent and not receive advice.”
Respecting Boundaries
“Respect other people’s boundaries and personal preferences.”
“If someone says they’re uncomfortable, respect that.”
“It’s important to listen and respect others’ boundaries.”
Offering Congratulations or Condolences Appropriately
“When someone shares good news, congratulate them.”
“If someone is going through a difficult time, offer your condolences.”
“It’s important to show empathy and be there for others in both good and bad times.”
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