The Weirdest Social Norms We All Just Go Along With

We often look at traditions from other cultures, past and present, with a critical eye. We think, “That’s weird,” when watching National Geographic specials about remote tribes without ever stopping to examine our own weird societal norms. 

Here are the things we do that are really weird when you stop and think about it. 

Talking About Making Babies

In most cases, discussions about intimacy are taboo and with good reason. But as soon as a couple gets married, it seems like everyone wants to know about their sex life. But it’s okay because they’re asking about kids. 

Cemeteries

Our rituals surrounding loss would likely seem weird to folks looking in. We pay exorbitant prices to preserve and bury our dead, but why? Does this have a purpose outside of tradition?

Garter Toss

Many wedding traditions are weird, but the garter toss may take the cake. Why do we want hundreds of our closest friends and relatives watching our new husband lift our dress and remove our garter? And why do people want to catch it?

Massive Weddings

Everything about our obsession with weddings is weird. Why do we put so much stock into two people getting married, like it’s the ultimate achievement in life? And why do we go into debt paying for a giant party? 

Scandalous Body Parts

We have a bizarre stigma against women’s upper bodies. Every other part of the breast is fine, and men can freely wander shirtless, but for some reason, we can’t bare the thought of seeing a bare-chested woman, even if it’s used for its intended purpose of feeding children. 

Inability to Be Alone

Society enjoys pointing fingers at folks who do things alone. There’s a stigma that if you do things alone, like dining alone or enjoying a movie alone, you’re a loser and have no friends. 

We should be allowed to enjoy our own company. 

“How are you?”

It’s so weird that “How are you?” became a greeting. People will say, “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” and keep walking right on by without thinking to stop and hear a response. 

Why do we ask how someone is if we don’t care?

Birthday Candles

We hoped society would realize that having someone spit all over a cake in an attempt to blow candles out was gross after the pandemic, but we were wrong. The tradition has roots in Ancient Greek mythology, but we still do it today just for fun. 

Work Culture

Work culture has us spending the best years of our life toiling for the hope of a stable retirement. Most of us can’t afford to quit our jobs, and those lucky enough to retire are too frail to enjoy the last few years of our lives. 

There has to be a better system that allows folks to enjoy their lives while balancing the need to work. 

Violence vs. Nudity

Our culture celebrates gore and violence while clutching its pearls at nudity. Why do we allow children to view gratuitous violence but cover their eyes when intimacy is on display?

Taking Kids’ Autonomy

We force children to hug people they don’t like, then get surprised when they grow into adults who don’t understand consent. Parents treat their kids like little extensions of themselves rather than individual people with their own personalities, hopes, and dreams, and even work to prevent their kids from learning and growing. Society lets it happen under the guise of “parental rights,” but what about the kid’s human rights?

Legal Scams We All Accept

Society is ripe with folks legally scamming you out of your hard earned cash.

Here are the top scams we all just accepted as normal. 

Of Course No One Wants To Work Anymore

The common boomer refrain derides younger generations for refusing awful working conditions. Are they right?

Find out why no one wants to work anymore. 

Are You Boring? Tedious Behaviors Your Friends All Want You To Stop

We can’t always tell when we’re being a bore. Do you engage in these tedious behaviors that make people lose interest?

Find out here: 10 Tedious Behaviours We Wish You’d Stop

Time Flies – Savor Every Moment

They often say time flies, and that’s true. We’re often so busy we don’t even notice the days and years slip away. 

Yes Time Flies – But Here’s How To Savor Every Moment
 

Don’t Miss Anything Life Has To Offer

The world abounds with opportunity. There’s tons of stuff to do and see in the world. 

Check out our epic list of over 200 bucket list ideas to find adventures to enhance your life. 

 

Source: Reddit