Most of you have probably seen by now New York Magazine’s ‘Rules for Existing and Behaving in Society.’ I absolutely loved reading it, and I’ve been loving even more seeing other people post their “rules.” So I figured I’d do my “rules” on how to exist in society, haha! Enjoy below.
Friends
You don’t have to like a trend, whether it be a style, an influencer, or anything else, just because your friends do.
It’s ok if friendships change over time.
If you’re in the middle of a texting conversation, do not pick up the phone and call mid way through. No one likes a sneak attack.
You don’t have to answer the phone if you don’t feel like talking. And do not take it personally if your friend doesn’t answer. It’s more than likely not personal.
When a friend is going through something and they start venting, ask them if they just need someone to listen and not respond or if they’d like a response and/or advice/guidance.
You can disapprove of your friend’s significant other’s, and you can share if you think they need to hear it. However, if they tell you to stop sharing, then stop and simply support. On a similar token and maybe it’s a double standard, if they are married, unless you know with proof their husband/wife is cheating, you should keep your opinions to yourself. Once married, it’s a bit different. Ya feel me?
Be a good listener.
Don’t judge your friends.
Don’t be annoying.
Cut ties with people, even if they are/were friends, who don’t make you feel good. Life is too short.
Dating
Below I am primarily speaking to hetero dating situations, as that’s what I’ve experienced.
The man must always pay for the first (and several after the first) date. I am incredibly old school, traditional in this sense, and I stand by it.
But still, as the woman, you must always offer to pay.
When walking down the street, the man should walk on the side that the cars are on.
Whoever initiates the date needs to follow up the day of (if not already set) on time and place.
If you aren’t into someone you went on one or a few dates with, simply tell them.
If you are the recipient of hearing that, do not take it personal. It’s not about you. It’s about a feeling/connection.
If you’re dating someone and not getting what you want, speak up. No one is a mind reader.
Don’t be negative and cynical when dating. That energy is felt by all.
Try to smile and laugh through it because before you know it, you’ll be settled down in a relationship or engaged or married and those days of dating will be over. Enjoy it.
Random
Do not, and I repeat, do not chew with your mouth open or smack your food when eating.
Put down the toilet seat.
Hold the door for people, especially if they are pregnant or elderly.
Do not be rude to servers at restaurants, EVER, even if your order is totally wrong and you’re hangry.
In fact, just be nice in general. No one likes an asshole, ya know?
If someone is wearing headphones, don’t try talking to them.
No need for small talk in the elevator.
Stop name dropping. No one cares.
If you’re not invited to something, it’s ok.
It’s totally fine if you’re a bit late – just tell the people you’re meeting.
Always keep your agreements. And if you don’t, communicate that. Keeping one’s word is everything.
Don’t lie. Ever. And if you did lie “by accident” just own it and tell the truth, and move forward.
Always bring something when you go to someone’s house.
Don’t forget people’s birthdays. But it’s also totally fine if you do, just own it if it comes up.
Always offer to help clean up when leaving someone’s house after a dinner party/drinks, etc.
Always put your shopping cart back.
Make your own decisions and like what you like and don’t like what you don’t like. Even if 98% of the people you know are obsessed with (influencer, style, etc) and you’re not, that is more than ok. You do you.
Ok I think that’s all I got for now. That was fun! I’ll add more if I think of others. Feel free to share your “rules.” xx
