Like how we all face the door in an elevator or feel the need to say ‘ope’ when we almost bump into someone. What’s a silent rule of society that you find hilarious or totally unnecessary?
Like how we all face the door in an elevator or feel the need to say ‘ope’ when we almost bump into someone. What’s a silent rule of society that you find hilarious or totally unnecessary?
The elevator one seems pretty universal, but “ope” is regional.
These kinds of social norms aren’t universal.
One that I wish were more universal would be standing on the right when using an escalator, and leaving the left side for walking.
Interesting point! I guess ‘ope’ is my regional bias showing lol. The escalator thing is a great example of a rule that makes life so much more efficient, yet people still ignore it. I wonder why some rules like ‘facing the door’ stick so well, while others like ‘stand on the right’ are a constant struggle. Do you think it’s because one is about comfort and the other is about efficiency?
On the contrary, I’d say the elevator thing is only comfortable because it’s a social norm. Unless it’s a subconscious “face the door so you can see if any attackers enter” thing.
The escalator thing is less universal because it’s something that helps other people, and not ourselves. This isn’t valued as much in individualistic societies like the ones in most of North America.
“Sorry!”
When you accidentally bump into someone you say “watch where ya walkin’!”
“I’m walkin’ heah!”
“What are ya’, blind?!”
I always wish I was a “hey watch it!” guy but I am forever a “sorry!” guy even when it is clearly NOT my fault. 🤦🏻♀️