Some important life lessons aren’t written in a rulebook, but they’re things most people are expected to understand. These unspoken guidelines help society to function smoothly, making our interactions easier and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. While they might not be laws, ignoring them can lead to awkward situations or even unintentional rudeness.
These are the unwritten rules of life that we believe everyone should already know.
Don’t Ask for Something Expensive as a Gift
It’s fine to accept a nice gift if someone offers, but outright asking for an expensive item puts people in an uncomfortable position. Gifts should be about thoughtfulness, not price tags. Expecting someone to spend a lot on you feels entitled and can create awkward social pressure.
If someone asks what you’d like, suggesting something reasonable or leaving it open-ended allows them to choose something within their means.
Cover Your Mouth When You Cough or Sneeze
Many people forget this basic courtesy. Coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth spreads germs and makes people around you uncomfortable. Using your elbow or a tissue prevents others from getting sick and shows consideration. In crowded spaces, turning away when sneezing or coughing is also a good practice.
Don’t Start Drama at Someone Else’s Event
If you have a personal issue with someone, a wedding, birthday party, or other special event is not the place to bring it up. Hijacking someone else’s moment for your own grievances is selfish and unfair. These gatherings are meant for celebration, not conflict. If there’s a real issue that needs to be addressed, respect your host and handle it privately, at an appropriate time.
Wait for People to Exit Before Entering
It’s a basic courtesy to let people exit any public transit before you enter. Rushing inside while others are trying to leave creates congestion and makes things more difficult for everyone. It’s a simple habit that keeps things moving smoothly and shows respect for personal space.
Keep the Noise Down in Shared Spaces
You should be mindful of noise levels in public and shared spaces. Blasting music in an apartment, talking loudly on the phone in a quiet area, or playing videos without headphones in a waiting room, creates excessive noise that’s frustrating for others.
Don’t Interrupt When Someone Is Talking
Everyone deserves the chance to speak without being cut off. Interrupting shows a lack of respect and makes conversations frustrating. It’s fine to get excited and want to contribute, but letting the other person finish before responding is important. Good communication involves listening just as much as talking.
If you have something to say, waiting for the right moment to speak ensures a more respectful conversation.
Return Shopping Carts Instead of Leaving Them in the Parking Lot
Lazy shoppers who leave their carts in random spots are inconsiderate and make extra work for store employees. It also creates hazards for other shoppers, especially when carts roll into parked cars. Taking a few extra seconds to return a cart to the designated area is an easy way to be respectful of others.
Don’t Overshare Personal Problems with Strangers
We all know it’s good to talk about personal struggles with close friends or professionals, but dumping your problems on strangers or casual acquaintances can be uncomfortable. Most people aren’t prepared to handle deep emotional conversations with someone they barely know.
Respect Personal Space
When it comes to personal space, everyone has different comfort levels. Standing too close to someone in line, touching people without permission, or invading someone’s personal bubble will make others uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is to give people the space you’d like to have for yourself.
Being mindful of body language and social cues helps ensure that interactions are pleasant for everyone involved.
Don’t Take the Last Piece Without Asking
When sharing food with a group, taking the last piece without checking if anyone else wants it will come across as inconsiderate. It could be the last slice of pizza, the last donut, or the final serving of a shared meal, asking first shows awareness and respect. Most of the time, people will say, “Go ahead,” but giving others the option makes it feel fair.
Hold the Door for the Person Behind You
A simple act of kindness is to hold the door open for someone, especially if they’re right behind you. It only takes a second but can make someone’s day a little easier. Letting a door slam in someone’s face or not acknowledging their presence feels rude and dismissive. Courtesy is always the right thing to do.
Don’t Read Over Someone’s Shoulder
It is important to respect others’ privacy, especially in public places. Reading over someone’s shoulder, whether it’s a text message, book, or email, is an invasion of that privacy. People deserve to keep their personal information to themselves without feeling like they’re being watched.
Let People Get Off the Elevator Before Entering
Crowded elevators can be chaotic, but a simple rule makes things easier: let people exit before stepping in. It’s not only polite but also practical, preventing unnecessary congestion and awkward maneuvering. Stepping aside and allowing people to leave first ensures a smoother and more organized flow.
Don’t Use Speakerphone in Public Places
To use a speakerphone or play voice messages loudly in public places forces everyone around you to hear a conversation they didn’t ask for. Keeping phone conversations private on public transport, in a waiting room, or at a restaurant shows consideration. If you need to take a call, using earbuds or stepping away from others is a more respectful option.
Acknowledge People When They Speak to You
When someone greets you or tries to start a conversation, don’t ignore them because it comes across as rude. Even a simple nod, smile, or quick response can make a big difference. Acknowledging people, whether it’s a cashier, coworker, or stranger holding the door, shows basic respect.