Society is full of rules. Obviously, you’ve got to abide by the law. But you’ve also got to learn all of the unspoken rules. Don’t yap with your phone on speaker in a public place. If you see a stranger drop something, alert them immediately. And if people are waiting in line, you'd better respect that. No cutting allowed!
But not all of the social rules we have to follow feel like burdens or inconveniences. Some are actually incredibly wholesome. Threads users have recently been sharing their favorite social contracts that strangers abide by in public, so we’ve compiled a list of them below. Enjoy reading about these sweet interactions, and be sure to upvote the ones that you love too!
#41
Mine is honking to support protesters! We’re all in it together in that moment.
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22points
#42
When Im waiting in line at the grocery store, as Im looking at the candy/bars, I will ask the cashier their opinion or what their favorite is. I will go along with their suggestion and once they ring in that item I will give it to them. Makes their day.
prettygalnini:
Someone did this to me!! He bought me a Coca Cola. Such a kind gesture
skyes_mama_yyc:
I had someone that had 2 bouquets of flowers when she came thru my till. As she was bagging, she handed me one. I cried.
prettygalnini:
Someone did this to me!! He bought me a Coca Cola. Such a kind gesture
skyes_mama_yyc:
I had someone that had 2 bouquets of flowers when she came thru my till. As she was bagging, she handed me one. I cried.
20points
#43
A story: years ago I was suffering from depression and was wondering why we are here, what's the purpose etc. I was at the bank with a long line. An elderly gentleman was filling out deposit slip or something and tripped and fell. Everyone in line started trying to help, find out who he was with, make sure he was OK. When that was over, every single person let everyone get back in line where they originally were. Something about that event shifted something in me and helped me with my recovery.
encanto_creativo_ec:
Once I tripped and fell in the stairs of a bank, it was apparently mostly empty, just two or three people tops, but when I fell and looked up, a whole bunch of people were there to see if I was ok. I thanked them and walked out with my very hurt pride and a pretty injured foot. They even called me next day (follow-up paperwork) and asked me how I was doing.
encanto_creativo_ec:
Once I tripped and fell in the stairs of a bank, it was apparently mostly empty, just two or three people tops, but when I fell and looked up, a whole bunch of people were there to see if I was ok. I thanked them and walked out with my very hurt pride and a pretty injured foot. They even called me next day (follow-up paperwork) and asked me how I was doing.
20points
#45
Lately, I’ve been putting together little goodie bags for the gate agents, flight attendants, and pilots on my flights. I travel with my dog and always want them to know we’ll be easy passengers. Honestly, she’s quieter than the babies on board 😅
Inside are some sweets, snacks, gum, face masks, hand wipes, stickers of my dog, and a few dollars. Flying can be stressful, so hopefully these little bags bring a smile to someone’s day ✈️
Inside are some sweets, snacks, gum, face masks, hand wipes, stickers of my dog, and a few dollars. Flying can be stressful, so hopefully these little bags bring a smile to someone’s day ✈️
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20points
#46
We all face forward in the elevator. Person closest to the buttons says “what floor?”
justrundolph:
Except on a cruise. I turn and face everyone and visit. Or if others are getting on behind me, i sometimes say ‘last one on sings’. I had 2 rosing sing- alongs started that way.
onemoretriparound:
Years ago I saw a list of awkward things to do it elevators. It was hilarious but the only two I remember were face the back and talk to yourself out loud.
justrundolph:
Except on a cruise. I turn and face everyone and visit. Or if others are getting on behind me, i sometimes say ‘last one on sings’. I had 2 rosing sing- alongs started that way.
onemoretriparound:
Years ago I saw a list of awkward things to do it elevators. It was hilarious but the only two I remember were face the back and talk to yourself out loud.
19points
#47
If you ask me to take photos of you, be prepared for multiple angles and several shots so there’s at least one that you love.
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19points
#48
Telling every pit bull owner I see on a walk that their dog is beautiful.
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19points
#49
When someone is walking into a store at the same time as me, I always hold the door open & let them walk in first.
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19points
#50
During a public speaking engagement if the speaker is kind, nervous and messes up or freezes, you applaud or say something encouraging to push them forward. Public speaking is NOT easy
18points
#52
When someone at a boat waves at you, or you wave at someone on a boat. Ugh. Humans are so cute when we do that 😌
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18points
#53
When some drama is going down an I make eye contact with the person who is also witnessing this an we are on the same wave length
17points
#54
If I notice your headlights are off, I’ll slowdown next to you, turn mine on and off, and point to your lights
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17points
#55
I always say (or shout) bless you when I hear someone sneeze. I say it to my neighbors, construction people, random citizens when walking down the street, colleagues in the other side of the office…
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16points
#56
The moving around that happens after someone exits an elevator to give everyone more space! Shuffle, shuffle.
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13points
#57
The no-lip smile you give an office co-worker when you pass in the hall.
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13points
#58
If someone’s metro card isn’t working, the train is there - you swipe them in and keep stepping and you show non New Yorkers how to use the stupid new machines.
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11points
#59
If you pass a cop car tucked into the side of the road waiting for speeders, it is your moral obligation to warn on-coming cars by flashing your high-beams.
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5points
