As you grow up, you start to notice that there are little things one can do to make everyone’s life easier. More often than not, these aren’t exactly laws and regulations, just emotional intelligence and life experience all rolled into one. Someone asked “What's an 'unwritten rule' of life that everyone should know about?” and netizens shared their best examples. So get comfortable as you read through, upvote your favorites, and share your own examples in the comments below. And if you want to see some other examples, check out our other article on unwritten rules of life. #1 You having a bad day doesn't mean that you have to ruin other people's day. Image credits: Cutegirl-4 #2 Saying thank you, please or sorry when needed. There is nothing wrong in being polite. Image credits: Moon_Jewel90 #3 Most opinions can be kept to yourself. Image credits: PreparationNo3440 “Read the room” is probably one of the best bits of advice for anyone anywhere. It applies to everything from creative work to managing one’s relationships. Because knowing things is just half the battle, people need to know when and where to actually vocalize them. Interestingly, the entire concept of “read the room” originated not with life advice, but with robbery. A good thief needed to identify marks, risks, and opportunities, so they would “read” the room they were in. It’s only relatively recently that people have switched over to using this idea in the context of emotional intelligence. Perhaps it’s for the best. #4 If you're walking in a group, don't take up the whole goddamn sidewalk/hallway/tunnel/railroad tracks/trail/path. Image credits: marianormann #5 Don't be a jerk to retail workers. Image credits: elashury #6 Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. Seriously. Take this bit of advice and carry it whatever you go through. You can be the most empathetic, helpful, caring person, but even if that's your one goal, by neglecting yourself you won't be the best you can be for others. Sort out mess in your own life, don't carry loads you can't, and everything else will be so much simpler. Image credits: Naturage This is just as true in the workplace as well. After all, unless you are pretty close with your coworkers, most folks don’t want to hear about your baby or your family drama on a Monday morning. Indeed, given the amount of time we spend at work, it might be a better place to really internalize “read the room” and pay attention to these unwritten rules. #7 Let people get off the elevator/bus/whatever before you shove your way on. Image credits: cubs_070816 #8 Treat others how you want to be treated. It's simple, universal, and fosters respect and empathy in all interactions. Image credits: AngelicAriaXXX #9 You can't argue with stupid. Image credits: heckydog Despite the fact that these are “unwritten” rules, the good people of the internet have put a lot of work into assembling these ideas, tips, tricks, and life lessons. So if you are interested in reading more, Bored Panda has got you covered, check out our other article on things that everyone should know. #10 "Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." George Carlin Image credits: CrazyMarlee #11 You remember far more embarrassing moments about yourself than your environment remembers about you. Image credits: Do_Not_Touch_BOOOOOM #12 In most cases, hardships are not personal, no one is out to get you, and most things aren’t nearly as important as you think they are. Image credits: WaterEnvironmental80 #13 Don’t post what you wouldn’t say in person. Image credits: Herstorical_Rule6 #14 Try where possible to live for yourself and not for other’s expectations of you. Image credits: murotomisaki #15 Your actions speak louder than your words. Image credits: BigMoney5594 #16 If you wouldn’t take advice from someone, don’t take criticism from them either. Image credits: classless_classic #17 If your wife says she doesn't need presents you still buy her presents. Image credits: ImFrenchSoWhatever #18 I don’t remember who said this or where I heard it, but I always liked the quote, “if someone tells you that you made them feel a certain way, you don’t get to decide that you didn’t.” Image credits: CockroachBorn8903 #19 If a toddler gives you a toy phone, you reply. If a little girl gives you an empty toy cup of tea, you pretend to drink. If a little boy shoots you with a toy gun, you pretend to be hurt. Image credits: OldPyjama #20 If you want to listen to something in public, use f*****g headphones. Image credits: sheepbridges #21 Character is what you do/who you are when no one is watching. Image credits: WaterEnvironmental80 #22 Your lack of preparation does not equal someone else’s emergency. #23 If you open something, close it. Image credits: RiseinAshes #24 When someone shows you who they are, believe them!! Image credits: And_alsowithyou #25 Relationships (romantic, familial, friendly, work) are compromise. If you're not willing to help the world around you, don't be surprised when the world doesn't help you in return. #26 Most of our learning comes about through making painful mistakes. Image credits: fermat9997 #27 Think of your future self not as your current state/mindset but as someone else you have to protect and provide for because that's who they are. You don't know what they want differently than you do now, what has happened to them, their health, their tragedies, their triumphs, the lessons you haven't had yet, the changes you don't know you have to make, what feelings you have now that they don't... So make sure you're setting them up with the best intentions at heart. They are relying on you for stability & safety, and are watching you thru the memories you're creating now. Image credits: Tokijlo #28 Not every bad person is going to suffer or have some karma happen to them. Image credits: Wolfeking69 #29 You'll never be thanked the way you want to be thanked. Your reward is the good you do, not the praise you get from it. Image credits: 5amteetimeguy #30 When your roommate, partner, spouse, child, etc. just got home and is still taking off their shoes, putting their keys away, etc....do NOT greet them with a "to-do" request or some sort of reminder. It's a universally s****y feeling to be greeted by that. Image credits: believe0101 #31 Never screw with someone’s lunch break. Most people hate their jobs, and that half hour to an hour they get to be on their own and enjoy their food and/or just time alone is sometimes the only peace and enjoyment they get for 8+ hours. If you see someone eating in their car, park or walk somewhere else away from them so you don’t disturb them, if they’re in the office by themself, wait until they’re done to talk to them, if it’s close to the normal lunch hours (between 12-2PM), anything you need from that person can wait until after they get back from their lunch. Never. F**k. With. Lunch. Image credits: arvo_sydow #32 Putting the grocery cart back costs you nothing. #33 As a dog owner I would like to see more people ask if its okay to pet the dog, not just go for it. Children are usually good at asking first, but way to many adults just go for it. My dog is not yours to just pet. Ask first. And deal with the answer sometimes will be no. #34 Ive always put this rule directly under the golden one. NEVER OVERSTAY YOUR WELCOME. #35 Middle seat gets both armrests. #36 The person that cooks doesn’t do the dishes. #37 You are not the main character. Your actions affect everyone around you as well. #38 Respect the atmosphere of the room you walk into. If it's quiet, you will be quiet. If it's louder, you can be loud. #39 Don't send out a group text before 7am and after 10:30pm. #40 Not all rules are blindly meant to be followed. Image credits: pementomento #41 Don’t waste time trying to convince people to care about you. They will or they won’t. #42 People are really unaccustomed to others admitting they have screwed up. Most drama in your personal or professional life can be avoided by just straight up contacting the person or people you let down or impacted and saying “hey, I f-ed up but am getting it fixed” instead of letting them discover it. And if you can’t fix it, an apology that *doubles down* on your guilt will usually suffice. “Hey, I f-ed up, it’s totally my fault, I just dropped the ball and there’s no excuse.” The power comes from not letting them have time to fume over it or giving them room to talk down to you. You’re in control. Occasionally you’ll screw up so bad that the response is not so understanding, but at that point you probably have a major lesson to learn. That said, there are absolutely times when admitting guilt has serious consequences and you have to mitigate the damage (think legal consequences in which admission of guilt will have a long lasting impact). Of course, if you’re in *that* situation, you need a lawyer. #43 If you hang out with 5 losers, you'll be the 6th. #44 Think before you speak. #45 Mood and feelings are like the weather. "I've found that it's of some help to think of one's moods and feelings about the world as being similar to weather. Here are some obvious things about the weather: It’s real. You can't change it by wishing it away. If it's dark and rainy it really is dark and rainy and you can't alter it. It might be dark and rainy for two weeks in a row. But. It will be sunny one day. In the same way that one has to accept the weather, so one has to accept how one feels about life sometimes. "Today's a c**p day," is a perfectly realistic approach. It's all about finding a kind of mental umbrella. "Hey-ho, it's raining inside: it isn’t my fault and there's nothing I can do about it, but sit it out. But the sun may well come out tomorrow and when it does, I shall take full advantage." #46 Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it's not true. #47 If someone tells you something that - is private - isn't illegal, immoral, or otherwise putting anyone's life or finances or property at risk then keep it the f**k to yourself unless prompted otherwise by that person. #48 If you have nothing nice to say don't say it. #49 If your coworkers literally turn their backs to you and don’t respond to you as you speak, it’s a good indication you should stop talking. #50 Never own an animal that can kill you. #51 Self-awareness is a superpower, to be able to pat your own back and call yourself on your c**p is priceless. #52 Chew t with your mouth closed. And don't talk with food in your mouth. #53 Learning to 'read the room' is one of the most important, and probably underrated, social skills to have in your locker. If you're leading a conversation and the other person/people start to look away, act slightly distracted, or interject with different topics, take the hint and change the subject. Not everyone is as interested as you are in your favourite topics. It doesn't mean you're boring (necessarily), but this isn't the right audience for whatever you're talking about right now. I'm consistently blown away by the number of grown adults, even in their 30s or 40s, who haven't learned this yet and just yammer on obliviously. #54 At a house party if the toilet door is closed it is occupied. When open it is available to use. So many ppl close the door after use when nobody is there. #55 Life isn't fair. #56 There is only ONE constant in this world. That constant is change. #57 Greeting your coworkers when you arrive at work. It’s basic manners that I know a lot of people don’t follow. #58 Give a little wave of acknowledgement when someone let's you merge / join the stream of traffic. Flash your lights if there's cops up the road. (Or pat the top of your helmet I'd you're riding a moto). Edit: I'm aware it's illegal in many places, it's illegal where I live too but we still do it 2 finger wave if you're in the middle of whoopwhoop and pass another car. #59 Always leave a place a little better than you found it ?✨. Whether it's cleaning up after yourself at a friend's place, picking up litter during a walk, or just offering a kind word to someone in need, these small acts of kindness and respect make a huge difference. It's about adding value to the world in tiny, manageable ways. ?❤️ #60 If someone takes the time and goes to the expense of sending you a gift for your graduation, wedding, baby shower, etc., have the common decency to acknowledge it and send a thank you note, email, text, or phone call. #61 Slower traffic keep right. #62 Your mental map of how things work is wrong in many ways. #63 Wipe down the damn sink when you're done. #64 The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself. #65 Do not automatically trust people. #66 Kindness will be the most valuable item you can use as currency. Without it, you lose long term value with everything we touch. Examples of a person who invested with kindness? Mister Rogers He earned the respect and dignity of the world. #67 When someone asks you "How are you?" as a greeting, its OK to lie. That is not the time to trauma dump. #68 You can do everything right and still not win, sometimes that's just life. #69 People you work with are NOT your friends. They can become your friends AFTER you leave that job, but not while you’re working together. #70 Driver’s ed teacher decades ago: Never stop driving the car. If it looks like you’re about to be in an accident, do not let go of the wheel, close your eyes, and scream because you will be in a wreck. If you keep driving the car, you might get lucky and drive through it, it will certainly be a better outcome than giving up. This advice applies in general - Never stop driving, no matter how bad things seem. #71 If he wanted to, he would. #72 Carry your own weight. Nobody likes a burden, nobody respects a parasite, and you aren’t entitled to anything. When I actually learned to provide for myself growing up, was when I finally developed self-respect. #73 You might not be your best buddy's best friend. #74 Put it AWAY, don’t put it down. #75 You see someone nicking baby food, nappies, pads, tampons etc you stay quiet. #76 The only time you look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure they have enough.“What’s An ‘Unwritten Rule’ Of Life That Everyone Should Know About?”: 76 Best Answers

As you grow up, you start to notice that there are little things one can do to make everyone’s life easier. More often than not, these aren’t exactly laws and regulations, just emotional intelligence and life experience all rolled into one. 

Someone asked “What's an 'unwritten rule' of life that everyone should know about?” and netizens shared their best examples. So get comfortable as you read through, upvote your favorites, and share your own examples in the comments below. And if you want to see some other examples, check out our other article on unwritten rules of life. 

#1

You having a bad day doesn't mean that you have to ruin other people's day.

Image credits: Cutegirl-4

#2

Saying thank you, please or sorry when needed. There is nothing wrong in being polite.

Image credits: Moon_Jewel90

#3

Most opinions can be kept to yourself.

Image credits: PreparationNo3440

“Read the room” is probably one of the best bits of advice for anyone anywhere. It applies to everything from creative work to managing one’s relationships. Because knowing things is just half the battle, people need to know when and where to actually vocalize them. 

Interestingly, the entire concept of “read the room” originated not with life advice, but with robbery. A good thief needed to identify marks, risks, and opportunities, so they would “read” the room they were in. It’s only relatively recently that people have switched over to using this idea in the context of emotional intelligence. Perhaps it’s for the best. 

#4

If you're walking in a group, don't take up the whole goddamn sidewalk/hallway/tunnel/railroad tracks/trail/path.

Image credits: marianormann

#5

Don't be a jerk to retail workers.

Image credits: elashury

#6

Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.

Seriously. Take this bit of advice and carry it whatever you go through. You can be the most empathetic, helpful, caring person, but even if that's your one goal, by neglecting yourself you won't be the best you can be for others. Sort out mess in your own life, don't carry loads you can't, and everything else will be so much simpler.

Image credits: Naturage

This is just as true in the workplace as well. After all, unless you are pretty close with your coworkers, most folks don’t want to hear about your baby or your family drama on a Monday morning. Indeed, given the amount of time we spend at work, it might be a better place to really internalize “read the room” and pay attention to these unwritten rules. 

#7

Let people get off the elevator/bus/whatever before you shove your way on. 

Image credits: cubs_070816

#8

Treat others how you want to be treated. It's simple, universal, and fosters respect and empathy in all interactions.

Image credits: AngelicAriaXXX

#9

You can't argue with stupid.

Image credits: heckydog

Despite the fact that these are “unwritten” rules, the good people of the internet have put a lot of work into assembling these ideas, tips, tricks, and life lessons. So if you are interested in reading more, Bored Panda has got you covered, check out our other article on things that everyone should know. 

#10

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." George Carlin

Image credits: CrazyMarlee

#11

You remember far more embarrassing moments about yourself than your environment remembers about you.

Image credits: Do_Not_Touch_BOOOOOM

#12

In most cases, hardships are not personal, no one is out to get you, and most things aren’t nearly as important as you think they are.

Image credits: WaterEnvironmental80

#13

Don’t post what you wouldn’t say in person.

Image credits: Herstorical_Rule6

#14

Try where possible to live for yourself and not for other’s expectations of you.

Image credits: murotomisaki

#15

Your actions speak louder than your words.

Image credits: BigMoney5594

#16

If you wouldn’t take advice from someone, don’t take criticism from them either.

Image credits: classless_classic

#17

If your wife says she doesn't need presents you still buy her presents.

Image credits: ImFrenchSoWhatever

#18

I don’t remember who said this or where I heard it, but I always liked the quote, “if someone tells you that you made them feel a certain way, you don’t get to decide that you didn’t.”

Image credits: CockroachBorn8903

#19

If a toddler gives you a toy phone, you reply. If a little girl gives you an empty toy cup of tea, you pretend to drink. If a little boy shoots you with a toy gun, you pretend to be hurt.

Image credits: OldPyjama

#20

If you want to listen to something in public, use f*****g headphones.

Image credits: sheepbridges

#21

Character is what you do/who you are when no one is watching.

Image credits: WaterEnvironmental80

#22

Your lack of preparation does not equal someone else’s emergency.

#23

If you open something, close it.

Image credits: RiseinAshes

#24

When someone shows you who they are, believe them!!

Image credits: And_alsowithyou

#25

Relationships (romantic, familial, friendly, work) are compromise. If you're not willing to help the world around you, don't be surprised when the world doesn't help you in return.

#26

Most of our learning comes about through making painful mistakes.

Image credits: fermat9997

#27

Think of your future self not as your current state/mindset but as someone else you have to protect and provide for because that's who they are.

You don't know what they want differently than you do now, what has happened to them, their health, their tragedies, their triumphs, the lessons you haven't had yet, the changes you don't know you have to make, what feelings you have now that they don't... So make sure you're setting them up with the best intentions at heart. They are relying on you for stability & safety, and are watching you thru the memories you're creating now.

Image credits: Tokijlo

#28

Not every bad person is going to suffer or have some karma happen to them.

Image credits: Wolfeking69

#29

You'll never be thanked the way you want to be thanked. Your reward is the good you do, not the praise you get from it.

Image credits: 5amteetimeguy

#30

When your roommate, partner, spouse, child, etc. just got home and is still taking off their shoes, putting their keys away, etc....do NOT greet them with a "to-do" request or some sort of reminder. It's a universally s****y feeling to be greeted by that.

Image credits: believe0101

#31

Never screw with someone’s lunch break. Most people hate their jobs, and that half hour to an hour they get to be on their own and enjoy their food and/or just time alone is sometimes the only peace and enjoyment they get for 8+ hours.

If you see someone eating in their car, park or walk somewhere else away from them so you don’t disturb them, if they’re in the office by themself, wait until they’re done to talk to them, if it’s close to the normal lunch hours (between 12-2PM), anything you need from that person can wait until after they get back from their lunch. Never. F**k. With. Lunch.

Image credits: arvo_sydow

#32

Putting the grocery cart back costs you nothing.

#33

As a dog owner I would like to see more people ask if its okay to pet the dog, not just go for it. Children are usually good at asking first, but way to many adults just go for it. My dog is not yours to just pet. Ask first. And deal with the answer sometimes will be no.

#34

Ive always put this rule directly under the golden one. 


NEVER OVERSTAY YOUR WELCOME.

#35

Middle seat gets both armrests.

#36

The person that cooks doesn’t do the dishes.

#37

You are not the main character. Your actions affect everyone around you as well.

#38

Respect the atmosphere of the room you walk into. If it's quiet, you will be quiet. If it's louder, you can be loud.

#39

Don't send out a group text before 7am and after 10:30pm.

#40

Not all rules are blindly meant to be followed.

Image credits: pementomento

#41

Don’t waste time trying to convince people to care about you. They will or they won’t.

#42

People are really unaccustomed to others admitting they have screwed up. Most drama in your personal or professional life can be avoided by just straight up contacting the person or people you let down or impacted and saying “hey, I f-ed up but am getting it fixed” instead of letting them discover it. And if you can’t fix it, an apology that *doubles down* on your guilt will usually suffice. “Hey, I f-ed up, it’s totally my fault, I just dropped the ball and there’s no excuse.”

The power comes from not letting them have time to fume over it or giving them room to talk down to you. You’re in control.

Occasionally you’ll screw up so bad that the response is not so understanding, but at that point you probably have a major lesson to learn.

That said, there are absolutely times when admitting guilt has serious consequences and you have to mitigate the damage (think legal consequences in which admission of guilt will have a long lasting impact). Of course, if you’re in *that* situation, you need a lawyer.

#43

If you hang out with 5 losers, you'll be the 6th.

#44

Think before you speak.

#45

Mood and feelings are like the weather. "I've found that it's of some help to think of one's moods and feelings about the world as being similar to weather. Here are some obvious things about the weather: It’s real. You can't change it by wishing it away. If it's dark and rainy it really is dark and rainy and you can't alter it. It might be dark and rainy for two weeks in a row. But. It will be sunny one day. In the same way that one has to accept the weather, so one has to accept how one feels about life sometimes. "Today's a c**p day," is a perfectly realistic approach. It's all about finding a kind of mental umbrella. "Hey-ho, it's raining inside: it isn’t my fault and there's nothing I can do about it, but sit it out. But the sun may well come out tomorrow and when it does, I shall take full advantage."

#46

Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it's not true.

#47

If someone tells you something that

- is private

- isn't illegal, immoral, or otherwise putting anyone's life or finances or property at risk

then keep it the f**k to yourself unless prompted otherwise by that person.

#48

If you have nothing nice to say don't say it.

#49

If your coworkers literally turn their backs to you and don’t respond to you as you speak, it’s a good indication you should stop talking. 

#50

Never own an animal that can kill you.

#51

Self-awareness is a superpower, to be able to pat your own back and call yourself on your c**p is priceless.

#52

Chew t with your mouth closed. And don't talk with food in your mouth.

#53

Learning to 'read the room' is one of the most important, and probably underrated, social skills to have in your locker.

If you're leading a conversation and the other person/people start to look away, act slightly distracted, or interject with different topics, take the hint and change the subject.

Not everyone is as interested as you are in your favourite topics. It doesn't mean you're boring (necessarily), but this isn't the right audience for whatever you're talking about right now.

I'm consistently blown away by the number of grown adults, even in their 30s or 40s, who haven't learned this yet and just yammer on obliviously.

#54

At a house party if the toilet door is closed it is occupied. When open it is available to use. So many ppl close the door after use when nobody is there.

#55

Life isn't fair. 

#56

There is only ONE constant in this world.

That constant is change.

#57

Greeting your coworkers when you arrive at work. It’s basic manners that I know a lot of people don’t follow.

#58

Give a little wave of acknowledgement when someone let's you merge / join the stream of traffic. Flash your lights if there's cops up the road. (Or pat the top of your helmet I'd you're riding a moto). Edit: I'm aware it's illegal in many places, it's illegal where I live too but we still do it 2 finger wave if you're in the middle of whoopwhoop and pass another car.

#59

Always leave a place a little better than you found it ?✨. Whether it's cleaning up after yourself at a friend's place, picking up litter during a walk, or just offering a kind word to someone in need, these small acts of kindness and respect make a huge difference. It's about adding value to the world in tiny, manageable ways. ?❤️

#60

If someone takes the time and goes to the expense of sending you a gift for your graduation, wedding, baby shower, etc., have the common decency to acknowledge it and send a thank you note, email, text, or phone call.

#61

Slower traffic keep right.

#62

Your mental map of how things work is wrong in many ways.

#63

Wipe down the damn sink when you're done.

#64

The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.

#65

Do not automatically trust people.

#66

Kindness will be the most valuable item you can use as currency. Without it, you lose long term value with everything we touch.

Examples of a person who invested with kindness?

Mister Rogers

He earned the respect and dignity of the world.

#67

When someone asks you "How are you?" as a greeting, its OK to lie. That is not the time to trauma dump.

#68

You can do everything right and still not win, sometimes that's just life.

#69

People you work with are NOT your friends. They can become your friends AFTER you leave that job, but not while you’re working together.

#70

Driver’s ed teacher decades ago:

Never stop driving the car. If it looks like you’re about to be in an accident, do not let go of the wheel, close your eyes, and scream because you will be in a wreck. If you keep driving the car, you might get lucky and drive through it, it will certainly be a better outcome than giving up.

This advice applies in general - Never stop driving, no matter how bad things seem.

#71

If he wanted to, he would.

#72

Carry your own weight. Nobody likes a burden, nobody respects a parasite, and you aren’t entitled to anything. When I actually learned to provide for myself growing up, was when I finally developed self-respect.

#73

You might not be your best buddy's best friend.

#74

Put it AWAY, don’t put it down.

#75

You see someone nicking baby food, nappies, pads, tampons etc you stay quiet.

#76

The only time you look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure they have enough.

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