Everybody's Watching You
Oh, come on, you think—no one's paying attention to everything I do, right? Sorry to burst your bubble, but you'd be wrong. In the same way you probably make snap judgments about the people around you, others do, too. They've glared at you while you argued with your partner over speakerphone, and they've watched as you littered. They've even seen you come out of the bathroom without washing your hands! Sure, everyone has their embarrassing moments, but if you're guilty of any of these 20 behaviors, don't be surprised if you get a few disapproving looks.
1. Cutting in Line
Cut your way in line at your local grocer, and you'll earn yourself more than some notoriety. Look: you hate it when others cut in front of you, so why would anyone else feel different when you do it to them? Even if you're genuinely in a hurry, everyone else probably has somewhere they'd rather be, too.
2. Watching Videos Out Loud
Just because you find a video entertaining doesn't mean the entire room wants to hear it. Seriously. Scroll on TikTok and YouTube at home, on your own time! You might think it's okay because no one's brave enough to confront you about it, but trust us, we're all definitely wondering why you can't just use headphones.
3. Burping Out Loud
Accidentally letting out a burp is one thing, but doing it loudly without even excusing yourself? Sure, most of us get that bodily functions are natural (and often uncontrollable), but that doesn't mean they appreciate you doing them in public. That's just poor manners.
4. Leaving Your Shopping Cart in the Parking Lot
Yep, we've seen you leave your cart in the middle of the parking lot after you've finished unloading your groceries. Minor as it might seem to you, it can be downright annoying for everyone else, especially if you've left your cart in an empty parking space or in the direct line of traffic. Given that it just takes a moment to return it, please do everyone a favor.
5. Talking on Speakerphone in Public
You know what else no one wants to hear out loud? You chatting with your partner or best friend on speakerphone. It doesn't matter if you're doing it in grocery stores, waiting rooms, or on crowded buses—you'll make everyone uncomfortable. We'd really rather not know about your personal life!
6. Chewing with Your Mouth Open
Delicious as your meal might be, please close your mouth when eating. No one wants to see your half-chewed-up food; no one wants to hear your exaggerated smacking sounds. You're making everyone within earshot lose their appetite.
7. Standing Too Close to Someone
Ever heard of personal space? Even if you define proximity differently, there's no reason to stand inches away from a stranger when plenty of room is available. If someone keeps stepping away from you, please take the hint. Step back.
8. Blowing Your Nose in Front of Everyone
If people would rather not hear you burp out loud or chew with your mouth open, they really would rather not see you loudly blowing your nose in front of them, especially when they're eating. We get it, we get it: you might have allergies, a cold, whatever it is. But you could also just step aside to take care of it, right?
9. Letting Your Phone Ring Repeatedly
Is that your alarm? Your timer? Someone calling you? Sure, we can withstand your phone ringing once or twice. For a whole minute, though? Even if your reflexes are slow or you just don't want to answer the call, the least you could do is put it on silent.
10. Littering
You. Yes, you. We saw that bad toss you made, and now your empty coffee cup is on the ground, and you're just watching away. Yep, that still counts as littering—dropping anything on the ground when there's a bin nearby is a major no-no, and anyone who sees will instantly change their opinion of you.
11. Blocking the Sidewalk
There's nothing wrong with stopping to check your phone or chat with a friend, but don't do it in the middle of a busy sidewalk. There are people behind you! In front of you! The more people in your group, the more annoying it is. If you need to pause, shift to the side or walk in pairs.
12. Picking Your Nose
Ah, the itchy nose. We know—you sometimes can't resist. You feel something there, and it's pure natural instinct to want to, you know, dig. But would you look at that: there are some things people would prefer you handle privately! Worse still, if you proceed to touch shared surfaces afterwards... don't be surprised if others start avoiding you.
13. Talking During a Movie
Shh! You might not be into the movie, but don't assume that everyone else in the theater hates it, too. You paid for your ticket, they paid for their ticket, let's all just stay quiet and watch the show. While an occasional whisper might go unnoticed, constant murmuring can instantly ruin the experience. Yes, this includes using your bright phone, too.
14. Double-Dipping
Sure, you might be used to sharing food with your friends and family, but hey, some people have preferences! And those preferences include not dipping the same chip back into the communal bowl. More than just unhygienic, the action may even get others to stop eating altogether.
15. Sneezing or Coughing Without Covering Your Mouth
An unexpected sneeze can catch anyone off guard. We understand! We also get that sometimes you just have allergies. But repeatedly sneezing or coughing into the open air when you could use your arm or a tissue? Pretty bad manners, if you ask us.
16. Taking Up Two Seats on Public Transit
Ever put your belongings in the seat next to you on a nearly empty bus? No biggie, right? Well, if more people are climbing on, that's your cue to move your stuff. Continuing to occupy that extra space makes you come off as inconsiderate, and people really shouldn't have to ask you to let them sit down.
17. Spitting on the Ground
Some people think nothing of spitting onto the sidewalk, but it's a habit that can instantly disgust those who witness it. Aside from the hygiene concerns, you're forcing other pedestrians to watch where they step! If you can't hold your loogie in, at least keep a pack of tissues on you.
18. Leaving a Public Bathroom Messy
If you've ever walked into a public restroom stall and discovered an unflushed toilet or god knows what on the floor, you know how unpleasant the experience can be. So why do it to others? Nobody expects you to leave the entire stall sparkling clean, of course, but taking responsibility for the mess you've made is still basic courtesy.
19. Blaring Your Music
If people can hear your music even when you have your headphones on, it's too loud. For your ears' (and everyone else's) sake, please, lower the volume. Even if you think it's reasonable, people may still judge you for assuming they want to listen along.
20. Not Washing Your Hands After Using the Bathroom
What's grosser than leaving a mess in your stall? Well, we can think of a few things. In particular: not washing your hands. Handwashing is a basic hygiene practice! Think of all the germs you just touched! If another person sees you skipping this step, don't be offended when they stay at least 10 feet from you.
