“I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can,
and always show people you care.”—Lou Holtz
***
In our lives, we adhere to numerous regulations, including those related to work, household conduct, traffic, and legal statutes. Educational institutions provide instruction in various subjects such as geography, biology, mathematics, and literature; however, they often neglect to impart lessons on ethics, etiquette, social conventions, or the development of qualities that foster decency, consideration, and respect in individuals.
Have you ever contemplated the reasons behind the custom of shaking hands upon meeting or the expression “bless you” following a sneeze? These actions exemplify social norms, which are the implicit agreements among members of a community regarding what constitutes acceptable behavior.
Social norms serve as the unspoken guidelines that govern suitable conduct within society. They assist individuals in navigating interactions with others effectively. Here are some social rules – which I have compiled randomly from social media and internet – you need to know and follow to make your life and others’ a lot easier and more flexible:
1. Refrain from calling an individual multiple times unless the situation is genuinely urgent. If they do not answer, allow them the opportunity to return your call. They may be occupied, unwell, or engaged in important matters.
2. When a person treats you to a meal, avoid selecting the most expensive item on the menu. Additionally, reciprocate the gesture on your next outing.
3. Propose to share the bill equally only if your meal is the least costly compared to others.
4. Do not lend out items that you have borrowed. If it does not belong to you, do not behave as though it does.
5. If you borrow money from someone, ensure that you repay it promptly, even before they request it.
6. When borrowing a vehicle, make sure to refill the gas tank prior to returning it.
7. Always remember to use “Please” and “Thank you.”
8. It is essential to treat waitstaff, custodians, assistants, drivers, and all service providers with kindness and respect, just as you would extend to a manager or chief executive officer.
9. Refrain from interrupting the speaker. Allow them to complete their thoughts before expressing your own.
10. When someone is addressing you directly, ensure that you are fully attentive.
11. There are two things you should refrain from offering unless solicited: your opinion and advice.
12. Avoid commenting on an individual’s appearance unless your remarks are complimentary.
13. Honor the queue; do not cut in line.
14. Do not engage in staring at individuals in public settings.
15. Utilize headphones for personal audio enjoyment and refrain from singing aloud.
16. Flush in public restrooms.
17. Offer your seat to individuals who may require it more, such as a pregnant woman or a person with a disability.
18. Always seek the host’s permission prior to inviting a guest.
19. Allow individuals to exit the elevator before you enter.
20. Value others’ time by ensuring punctuality.
21. Refrain from conversing with your seatmate during a film screening.
22. Ensure to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
23. Always knock before entering a room with a closed door.
24. Don’t gossip about someone who isn’t pretty. Better still, don’t gossip at all.
25. Don’t scroll through someone’s phone gallery.
26. Keep your phone on silent mode during meetings.
27. Don’t break your promise, or don’t make one if you are not sure you can keep it.
28. When someone tells you a secret, take it with you to your grave, even if you wake up as enemies the next morning.
29. Don’t make plans in front of those you are not willing to invite, especially if it is at your place, your birthday, or a special occasion.
30. Avoid discussing money in regular conversation, personal issues at work and politics or religion.
