If there’s one thing the internet is good at, it’s debating social rules. While one person thinks splitting the bill five ways, even though you had a side salad and no wine, is fair, others think there are very specific, but unspoken rules, that apply in social situations.
We’ve put together the main social rules that everybody seems to agree upon because the world would be a better place if we were all on the same page.
1.Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO.
The internet agrees on this one. You should treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO, because if someone is nice to you and rude to the waiter, they probably aren’t a very nice person. You also run the risk that down the track you’ll be treated the same way.
2. If someone buys you a drink, buy one back.
If you aren’t following this rule by now, we are… unimpressed. It’s nice to shout your friends a drink, and nice to have one shouted back. We all notice the person who’s left owing.
Ever wondered what alcohol would be like as a person? Yes, us too. Post continues.
3. If the bathroom is empty, and there are several unoccupied stalls available, do not sit in the one right next to someone else.
We are all deeply uncomfortable when it comes to using the loo. There is absolutely no reason why you need to sit right next to someone else.
4. Never kiss a baby.
There are two reasons why you should just never do this. Babies are vulnerable to illness, and parents need safe boundaries.
5. If someone sneezes say “Bless You” twice and then LEAVE IT.
It is far too awkward to continuously bless someone, especially if they are literally having a sneezing fit right beside you. Bless them twice and let them go.
6. Never, by any means, use the letter “K” as a replacement for “Okay”.
This is deeply passive aggressive. Everybody knows that “K” is code for “I’m so angry at you but my messages have read receipts”.
7. If someone hands you their phone to show you a photo, do not by any means swipe.
There are photos on people’s phones that you do not by any means ever want to see. Respect this crucial rule.
8. If you are with someone, leave your phone on the table face down.
It’s rude to hint to the people around you that someone or something else is more deserving of your attention than the person sitting in front of or beside you. If you really want to make a good impression and live in the moment, put it on airplane mode, or put it in your bag.
9. Put things back where you found them.
Whether it’s at the supermarket and you’re putting something back, or you just borrowed your mate’s hairdryer, it’s important to always put things back exactly where you found them. There’s a reason things are put in certain places.
10. Hold the door when you walk in after someone.
Yes. Even if it’s really heavy.