Society is full of unwritten rules that we all obediently follow, but that make no rational sense whatsoever. Why do we pretend to be happy with useless gifts, or congratulate a whole circle of people at a birthday? Which social norm should be thrown in the trash immediately? Cast your vote now!
Cast your vote - the ranking shifts live based on the votes.
Congratulating the whole family at a Dutch 'circle birthday'
In the Netherlands it's tradition to walk in and congratulate uncles, aunts and vague acquaintances on someone else's birthday.
Shaking hands as a bacteria bomb when greeting
Immediately grabbing each other's sweaty hands to be polite, while it's known to be the fastest way to transmit viruses.
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Pretending to be thrilled with a terrible gift
Exclaiming with a forced smile how wonderful it is, only to hide the junk at the back of a cupboard for the rest of your life.
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The taboo on eating out or going to the cinema alone
Staring at a screen in a dark theater requires zero company, yet many people still label going to the movies alone as 'sad'.
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Asking 'How are you?' without wanting an honest answer
It has become a mandatory greeting formula: if someone actually starts talking about relationship problems or stress, panic ensues.
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Celebrating overwork and sleep deprivation as a status symbol
Bragging that you worked eighty hours and sleep only four hours a night, while it's actually bad for your health and productivity.
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Wearing uncomfortable, warm formal clothing at the office
Sitting in wool suits or tight shirts in the middle of summer, while the office has to be cooled to refrigerator temperatures.
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Pretending you're not home when the doorbell rings unexpectedly
Sitting dead still on the couch hoping the delivery driver or neighbor thinks the house is empty.
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Having to justify yourself when you don't drink alcohol
Order a soft drink at a party and everyone immediately asks whether you're sick, pregnant or driving.
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Deliberately waiting before replying to messages
Consciously waiting half an hour before responding so you don't come across as having nothing better to do.
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