31 Social Norms Everyone Follows—But Deep Down, Secretly Think Are Absurd
Ever notice how social norms sneak into our lives like uninvited guests at a party—setting the mood, controlling the flow, and making us wonder why we’re expected to dance two steps left when the music clearly calls for a shuffle? These unwritten rules govern everything from standing in line at the grocery store (because heaven forbid you cut in!) to the not-so-simple art of picking a partner. But here’s the kicker—what if some of these ‘rules’ are just plain ridiculous? Like job adverts hiding the salary as if money isn’t the whole point of the gig, or the bizarre etiquette of pretending to enjoy a meal you secretly can’t stand. Recently, folks on r/AskReddit spilled the tea on the social norms they quietly find baffling or downright absurd, sparking a hilarious and thought-provoking conversation. Buckle up, because the everyday “shoulds” and “should-nots” might just be roaring with irony, and it’s time to call them out.
Social norms are the unwritten rules that determine what is acceptable within a community and what is not.
Usually, they are those things we all just “know” to be true, and that are either rewarded or punished by members of that community.
From the way we form a line at a grocery store to the way we look for a partner, they govern both the small details of daily interactions and the major decisions that shape our lives.
But not everyone accepts these customs without question. In fact, some people feel certain conventions are baffling or even absurd. Recently, a post on r/AskReddit invited platform users to share a common social norm that they secretly find ridiculous, and the responses sparked an interesting discussion. Continue scrolling to check out the most popular entries.
Job adverts posted without information on the salary. Are we really pretending as if the money isn’t a big factor as to why I’m applying?
Not just letting kids be weird. My son used to wear the weirdest stuff and if we were going out I’d be like ‘Go for it! You’re six, live it up!” I do believe in making them behave, though.
Wearing brand name clothing. As long as you have nice clean clothes on I don’t care what brand they are.
Insurance companies thinking they know better than doctors about our health needs. I want to see that system crumble and disappear before the end of my life. Probably won’t happen, but I still want it.
MissusNilesCrane replied:
Doctor: My patient needs prior authorization for X medication because generic isn’t effective.
Pharmacy: The doctor says his patient needs name-brand medication for his patient.
Insurance: Does she really, though? Better check with the doctor.
The story of my life.
Health insurance. You pay plenty for it. Yet you also pay a ridiculous amount if you have any sort of major health problem. What’s the point? The whole system is completely broken.
Crossing my arms means I’m closed off.
Actually I’m just really comfortable standing that way. I do it all the time.
Moominsean replied:
I agree. Just standing there with your arms hanging feels kind of awkward and not particularly comfortable.
Everyone walking around with phones in faces even at a gym where they need to have thing in hands to work out.
The idea that there are specific “breakfast foods” was just marketing made up by cereal companies to sell more cereal
I will die on this hill.
ebobbumman replied:
Aside from bacon and eggs, all our breakfast food is dessert: pancakes, waffles, muffins, donuts? It isn’t acceptable to eat cupcakes and ice cream for breakfast, but is a muffin or a waffle covered in whipped cream just fine? It’s bizarre.
Doctors and really all providers who schedule an appointment and are expected to be late while you are expected to be early and penalized for being late. Doctors, meetings, interviews, service appointments… and copays before I receive a service of any kind.
Two weeks notice to quit a job. They can let you go without even a seconds warning but if you leave without giving a two week notice you’re the bad guy and filed under “not rehireable”.
The entire idea behind the two week notice is so they could train your replacement but these days they often don’t really have anyone lined up for that. Then they ask you to stay on another week. Not your problem though.
Your employer is only as loyal to you as their bottom line allows. You’re just a number on a spreadsheet. Once you’re no longer useful, you’re out. So there’s no point to being loyal to your employer.
Having to hide a tampon or a pad when I go to the bathroom to change it because someone might find it embarrassing.
Dropping 3 month salary on a shiny rock that is just an agreement to another even larger payment in the form of a ceremony.
Start your union by working through a pile of debt.
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