By Angela Chukwuelue
People can influence how we act, and one big reason is that when others are around, we usually expect them to act in certain ways. Different situations come with their own set of expected behaviors, and these expectations can vary from one group to another.
Think
of it like this: in a group, everyone has a specific role, kind of like
characters in a story. When you take on a role, you adjust how you act to meet
the expectations that you and others have for that role.
Social norms are the unwritten rules about what people in a group or culture think and how they should behave. These norms help us know what's considered acceptable and keep things organised in society. Here are some social rules that may help you:
1.
Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your
call, presume they have something important to attend to;
2.
Return money that you have borrowed even before the person that borrowed you
remember or ask for it. It shows your integrity and character. Same goes with
umbrellas, pens and lunch boxes.
3.
Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is giving you a
lunch/dinner.
4.
Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you
have kids’ or ‘Why didn’t you buy a house?’ Or why don't you buy a car? For
God’s sake it isn’t your problem;
5.
Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it
is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone
well in public;
6. If
you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time;
7.
Respect different shades of opinions. Remember what's 6 to you will appear 9 to
someone facing you. Besides, second opinion is good for an alternative;
8.
Never interrupt people talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear
them all and filter them all;
9. If
you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it
again. It encourages one to do more and it shows how appreciative you're;
10.
Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.
11.
Praise publicly. Criticize privately;
12.
There’s almost never a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You
look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will;
13.
When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You
never know what’s next;
14.
If a colleague tells you they have a doctors' appointment, don’t ask what it’s
for, just say "I hope you’re okay". Don’t put them in the
uncomfortable position of having to tell you their personal illness. If they
want you to know, they'll do so without your inquisitiveness;
15.
Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how
rude you can treat someone below you but people will notice if you treat them
with respect;
16.
If a person is speaking directly to you, staring at your phone is rude;
17.
Never give advice until you’re asked;
18.
When meeting someone after a long time, unless they want to talk about it,
don’t ask them their age and salary;
19.
Mind your business unless anything involves you directly - just stay out of it;
20.
Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign
of respect. Moreso, eye contact is as important as your speech; and
21.
Never talk about your riches in the midst of the poor. Similarly, don't talk
about your children in the midst of the barren.
22.
After reading a good message try to say "Thanks for the message".
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