When it comes to unwritten rules, there are plenty of grey areas between what behaviors people consider OK and not. Social norms differ between cultures; a certain act may receive sanctions or punishments within one group but be seen as normal within another. Plus, as society’s understanding of norms changes over time, so too does its members’ perception of deviance.
In an attempt to learn if this transformation can stall, Redditor u/sadboi017 asked other users: “What is considered socially unacceptable for no reason?” 34.9K upvotes and 21.3K comments later, I think it’s safe to say that it can. Continue scrolling and check out some of the most popular answers.
#1
Not wanting to hold other people’s babies…
Image source: SilllyWoman, unsplash
#2
Turning down an invitation to go out simply because you’d rather stay home with your pets, save money, and preserve your mental health in glorious solitude.
Image source: SJBailey03, pexels
#3
Using swings/playground equipment as an adult. I friggin love going on the swings, I’m 30 and it still fascinates me that I can quickly and easily get 10-15 feet (or higher) in the air with some simple leg movement.
One day I was at a fairly deserted local park on the swings having the time of my life. Suddenly Karen shows up with her two ankle biters, hands on her hips and yells at me “WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON THERE?! THE SWINGS ARE FOR THE KIDS, NOT ADULTS!”
My tax dollars paid for these swings, and there’s no sign saying that I can’t, so I’ll use them as much as I damn well please whenever I want. How much tax did little Johanathan and little Kymburleigh Pay last year? None? Guess they can’t use the swings either.
Image source: chewblekka, pexels
#4
Not answering your own door. When there’s like a salesman at someone’s door, they won’t want to answer but they will act like no one is home, and be really quiet so the person outside the door doesn’t hear them. But it’s your house. I could just stare at a salesman out the window as he rings my bell, who cares. It’s my house. I don’t have to answer my own door, for whatever reason I deem acceptable. You came to my house, not the other way around.
#5
Leaving without giving an “acceptable” song and dance about why you are leaving, with leaving because you have basically reached your limit with socializing being “not a good enough reason”
People who can stand to be around other people for huge amounts of time, more power to you, but me? I can’t do that, and I don’t want to have to make up an excuse to do so.
Image source: Drakeskulled_Reaper, unsplash
#6
Being open/honest about not having kids. In my personal life I have gotten more ridicule and very pointed questions bordering on disrespectful over being childfree than about any of my other opinions.
Once I said I wasn’t having kids my family became obsessed with whether or not I was dating, and who, and oh, what if HE wants kids? What if I meet the “perfect” guy, but he wants kids? Well, then I guess he’s not the perfect guy for me. Simple as that. I don’t want kids, and no, I don’t have to give you a detailed bullet list about why I’m not having kids because what I decide to do with my uterus is none of your business.
Image source: RattusDraconis
#7
I’m a grown man and I love flowers. Not even ‘masculine’ flowers, I have an orchid collection.
Image source: pressureshack, unsplash
#8
NOT WEARING A BRA. SCREW BRAS. THERE I SAID IT.
Image source: LoverofCatsandTSwift
#9
waking up at 11am or later
i’m not lazy. my responsibilities are taken care of. i stay up late and value my sleep hours.
Image source: FaroutIGE, pexels
#10
In some places, calling in sick, because it’s “letting down the team” or whatever. Screw off, I’m sick as a dog. There’s little I will accomplish other than feeling like death warmed up, so you aren’t missing out on much. Plus I could spread whatever I’ve got to coworkers, then we’re all sick
Image source: GoabNZ, unsplash
#11
Wearing a surgical mask when you are sick to prevent giving the illness to others.
Image source: Phyr8642, unsplash
#12
Men crying. It’s seen as a weakness typically rather than compassion.
Image source: Virtue00, unsplash
#13
Being single.
Some people are okay not being in a relationship for some time and are perfectly happy, but other people just don’t understand that.
#14
Not drinking alcohol around others who are drinking. People don’t like it
#15
Going out for dinner by yourself
Image source: sugarnipples231, pexels
#16
Being honest when asked “how are you”
Image source: pm_me_n0Od , unsplash
#17
Eating lunch alone in your car at work. It’s quiet, comfortable, and I don’t have to make small talk when I’m trying to have some ‘me’ time out of the office.
Image source: abandoned_firehouse
#18
Napping at work during my lunch break. I don’t really need food in the afternoon, what I really need is a nap!
Image source: katartsis , unsplash
#19
Skipping as an adult. It’s unfortunate because it is faster than walking and much more fun than running.
Image source: BigEarsLongTail, unsplash
#20
40+ male at a playground
Yes I have no partner, yes that’s my 6 year old kid having a blast
No I’m not a pedo but thank you for your questions and passive glares
Image source: SomeCrows, pexels
#21
Women not shaving.
Image source: Toughpupper
#22
Wearing the same clothes 2 days in a row
Image source: ManyDeliciousJuices
#23
Cursing.
Seriously, how and why the f*ck did society decide that certain sounds will corrupt children?
Image source: depthandbloom
#24
Apparently self defense isn’t allowed in schools. I guess I just have to accept the beating.
Image source: TheBananaHamook, pexels
#25
Having fun as an adult. Fun has no expiration date, you don’t suddenly no longer qualify for fun and have to live a life of watching the news and drinking coffee. People shame adults for doing fun things and that’s absolute nonsense
#26
Not wanting to make small talk. Sometimes being alone in a public place is my only alone time.
I have to put on the show at work and talk to people ALL DAY LONG and if I just want to sit in a bar or cafe or on a bench by myself and stare at my phone I shouldn’t be forced to exchange small talk with someone just because they happen to be in the vicinity of me.
Like currently, I’m having a really bad day and just want to go sit and have a drink and stare at cats or something because being in my house is making it worse, but I can’t, because I’ll be forced to chit chat with someone near me.
Image source: romperstomp
#27
Showing distaste for ones family in any way, shape, or form
Image source: Foodcity
#28
Not hiding your tampon when you go to the restroom
Image source: IwishIhadbiggerfeet
#29
Going to the movies alone.
Image source: orbesomebodysfool, unsplash
#30
Being a virgin
Image source: CWbr
#31
Being the first person to get up from your chair when snacks are brought into a meeting room. There’s always that one hero that does it though so others can get in line.
Image source: Mool901
#32
Men caring about skincare and getting manicures
Image source: Old-Physics , pexels
#33
Walking your cat.
Image source: SentinelVortexx, unsplash
#34
Refusing generosity. It’s perfect alright to politely decline, even though others would vilify you for being ungrateful and cold.
Image source: ETC3000, unsplash
#35
My dad gets SUPER offended when I put my elbows on the table. I still dont know why.
Image source: Briannarhea1513, pexels
#36
There are a ton of rules around clothing that are completely arbitrary nonsense. And I don’t even just mean workplace dress codes and gendered clothing that are obvious bullsh*t. Even in casual situations, jeans and a flannel shirt are normal, but if you wore plaid flannel pajama pants and a denim shirt, you would look psychotic.
Image source: notevaluatedbyFDA
#37
Ladies can call their friends her “girlfriends,” but a man, absolutely not, cannot call his friends his “boyfriends.” That’s not fair.
Image source: llcucf80
#38
Laying down in public.
Source: likes to lay.
Image source: Musclemagic, unsplash
#39
hats indoors. No one has given me a valid reason why I need to tell students to take their hats off.
Image source: EchoStellar12
#40
Running everywhere instead of walking.
Image source: TotallyRealFBIAgent, pexels
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