Unspoken Rules

In the society where we live, there are certain rules which we have to follow. These rules are either formulated by the government which we have to abide or some rules are defined by the society that comes into being over the years, as per the times and progress of the society. But there are some UNSPOKEN RULES which are neither defined by the government nor by society.

Here are some unspoken rules you should already be living by:

1 Do not point out if someone is blushing. They can’t control it, they already know, and you are making it worse by drawing attention to it.

2 If you make a mess, clean it up as soon as you can- especially if you live with other people. Be it washing that bowl or picking up your clothes from the bathroom. It makes life easier and avoids arguments.

3 Figure out what you are going to buy or order before you are at the front of a queue.

4 Do not ask people why they do not drink.

5 Do not ask anyone, how much the stuff cost which is in their procession.

6 If you have borrowed a car. Fill the tank after the use or at the very least, replace the petrol you used for your travel.

7 Do not give someone’s phone number ( or their contact information) to someone else without their permission. If this is not possible, then inform the person that such and such person might contact you.

8 Do not lend out things that are not 100% yours. If you do not own it, do not lend it out on the owner’s behalf. If it is shared (particularly if a group of people has pitched to buy it), check with the others first before lending.

9 If you borrow something repeatedly, then it is probably a good idea to buy one of your own.

10 Do not brag about your kid if another parent just shared a challenge they are having with theirs.

11 Stop talking to your phone in the bathroom.

12 Never mock something that someone can not change. You may think you are joking, but you never know what people are sensitive about it.

13 Do not touch a pregnant lady’s stomach, without her permission.

14 Take time to congratulate someone when they share the good news. Do not just ask questions right away.

15 Do not take up all of the footpath/pavement. Walk on the left or right side so that people can get past you.

16 Do not ask people when they are having kids. Not everyone wants children. Some people have a hard time conceiving. Some people can not pregnant at all. Some people might have lost a pregnancy. It is none of your business.

17 When someone is talking, do not spend the entire time formulating a response and waiting for them to shut up so you can respond/talk. Listen.

If there are any other rules which I have missed. Please write them in comments space at the end of this blog.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

5^th July 2022