Our society is peppered with social norms that, upon closer inspection, can seem quite weird. From everyday interactions to life’s big milestones, we often follow unwritten rules without a second thought. But what happens when we pause and take a closer look at these norms?
Here are 15 such trends that might just make you raise an eyebrow.
1. Speakerphone Conversations in Public
It’s increasingly common to hear people chatting on speakerphone in public. While convenient for the speaker, it turns private conversations into public broadcasts, leaving some bystanders amused and others annoyed.
2. The Big Wedding Expectation
The societal pressure for a grand wedding celebration is a curious phenomenon. While a fairy-tale wedding appeals to many, others question the practicality and expense of such lavish events, especially in an age of rising costs.
3. Birthday Cake Candle-Blowing
Blowing out candles on a cake is a beloved tradition, yet it’s intriguing when considering hygiene. It’s a blend of celebration and an odd acceptance of sharing more than just cake.
4. Intrusive Family Queries About Parenthood
Relatives often ask couples about their plans to have children, a question that intertwines concern with a lack of privacy. It’s a practice that ranges from endearing to uncomfortable, depending on the perspective.
5. The Business Tie: A Wardrobe Enigma
Ties, a staple in business attire, have a curious place in fashion. They are seen as a symbol of professionalism, yet also as a somewhat arbitrary and potentially uncomfortable accessory.
6. The Automatic “How Are You?”
Asking someone how they are as a polite greeting often results in expected, superficial responses. This social dance of courtesy can sometimes feel hollow, but it’s deeply ingrained in our interaction rituals.
7. Compulsory Family Harmony
The expectation to maintain harmonious relationships with family, regardless of behavior, is a norm that can be challenging. It raises questions about the balance between blood relationships and personal well-being.
8. Tipping as a Wage Supplement
Tipping in certain industries is a well-established norm, yet it’s also a contentious topic. This practice often highlights the complexities of labor practices and fair compensation.
9. Encouraged Child-Family Member Hugs
Urging children to hug relatives they barely know can be a source of discomfort. It’s a practice that sits at the intersection of affection and autonomy, sparking discussions about consent and familial relationships.
10. Post-marriage Childbearing Pressure
The assumption that marriage will lead to children is a common societal expectation. This norm often disregards personal choice, putting undue pressure on couples.
11. The Expensive Tradition of Burial
The high costs associated with traditional burial practices are increasingly scrutinized. It’s a custom that combines respect for the deceased with complex economic considerations.
12. Working Until Retirement Age
The concept of working until the traditional retirement age is often accepted as a given. Yet, it raises questions about work-life balance and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
13. Buying Luxury Brands
Luxury brands hold a certain allure, but they also bring up questions about consumerism and status symbols. The emphasis on expensive brands for gifts or social status can be seen as both aspirational and excessive.
14. Texting Etiquette
The unspoken rules of texting create a complex web of communication dos and don’ts. This modern-day puzzle often leads to overthinking and misinterpretations in digital conversations.
15. Acquiring Debt
Acquiring debt, particularly for young adults, has become a seemingly inevitable part of life. This trend points to broader societal issues regarding financial literacy and economic pressures.
15 Conspiracy Theories That Turned Out To Be True
With the amount of information and misinformation available, the line between fact and fiction often blurs, giving rise to conspiracy theories. While many such theories are quickly debunked, a select few have, shockingly, proven to be true.
Here, we share 15 instances where once-dismissed conspiracies were validated, uncovering unsettling truths that challenge our perception of history, governance, and societal institutions.
15 Conspiracy Theories That Turned Out To Be True
15 Things That Have Been Normalized That Shouldn’t Be Normal
It’s pretty hard to define normal, but you know it when you see it. When something has been normalized, it isn’t shocking.
It’s something commonplace that we all get used to. However, maybe some of these things should never have become normal in the first place.
15 Things That Have Been Normalized That Shouldn’t Be Normal
The 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.
We all want to be safe, and living in a city that is high with crime is not usually what people look for when they look for a place to live. Tracking crime statistics and safety is a complicated measure, but the FBI does its best to track different crime rates in most cities and states in the U.S.
You may be surprised to learn which cities made the list of the most dangerous cities. We often associate crime with large cities, such as New York, Chicago, and L.A., but those cities did not make it to the top five.
The 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.
12 Things That Were Socially Acceptable 25 Years Ago, but Are Frowned Upon Today
Over the past 25 years, society has seen significant changes in what it considers acceptable behavior. What was once deemed perfectly fine in the past is now often met with disapproval. As cultural norms and values continue to evolve, it’s essential to reflect on these changes and how they shape our daily lives.
12 Things That Were Socially Acceptable 25 Years Ago, but Are Frowned Upon Today
15 Behaviors That Are a Dead Giveaways Someone Grew up Poor
Many people who grew up poor don’t exactly want to display this information for the world to see. However, it can come out in a wide range of behaviors that make it obvious that the person grew up lower class or in poverty.
Many people have habits that they picked up during those years that they haven’t let go of yet.