10 "Made-Up" Societal Rules That People Think We Should Quit
Have you ever thrown away food from a party or gathering that nobody would eat . . . just because it was the last piece . . . and everyone was too polite to just EAT IT or SPLIT IT UP?
Buzzfeed has a new list of "made-up" societal rules that their readers think we should all just stop following. Which ones do you agree with, and which ones just seem WHINY?
1. The "no double texting" rule. Some people think it's too much to send someone multiple texts in a row . . . even if they think of something else AFTER they already sent one.
2. Respect your elders. One person says, "Some of the nastiest people I've ever met are over 70. Good job, you've survived to be a dinosaur . . . but respect is earned, not given."
3. Expecting people working in food service to always be happy. "It's an exhausting, thankless, and stressful job that doesn't pay enough." (I will say: If you're expecting a GOOD TIP, part of that IS working to make it a good experience for guests.)
4. That women should be polite to be considered ladylike. "Men are never held to these same standards."
5. It should be acceptable to respectfully decline gifts. "Why do I have to PRETEND to like something, take it home, and save to re-gift later?"
6. You can't eat in front of your friends unless they are eating too. "What if I'm really hungry, and they aren't? I'm not allowed to eat?"
7. Everyone thinking that it is rude to read a book at a function or event. "Most of the people are ignoring everyone on their phones . . . so what difference does it make?" (Well, that isn't cool either. It depends on the setting, but books do seem like a bigger disengagement than scrolling Instagram.)
8. That it's unacceptable to date a friend's ex. "Just because it didn't work out for them doesn't mean it shouldn't work out for you."
9. Placing a napkin on your lap. "Forget it. It lands on the floor 99 out of 100 times. (Careful) And my boobs stop all the crumbs anyway."
10. Blessing people when they sneeze. "Stop calling attention to them . . . especially in the middle of meetings." Someone else added, "Why don't we bless farts. I'd be on board with that."
(Buzzfeed)
Originally posted on April 9th, 2025