14 Things to Never Do in Public

This post may contain affiliate links which means we may get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for details.

Bringing people together, in parks, streets, and restaurants… that’s what public spaces do. Shared spaces, however, come with shared responsibilities, and sometimes we all need a reminder of what not to do in public. Some behaviors might be met with side eyes or polite coughs, while others may bring serious embarrassment or even cause conflict.

This article is your go-to for navigating public life with grace and consideration. These 15 things are a list of what you should absolutely never do in public if you want to keep the peace – and maybe even your reputation.

Blast Your Music

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Listening to music on the go? Great. Forgetting your headphones? Not so great. Regardless of how good your taste in music is, no one wants to hear your playlist playing through your phone speaker. Keep your tunes to yourself; be considerate.

Have a Loud Argument

Image Credit: Kaboompics.com/Pexels

You’ve probably seen couples (or friends) fight out their differences at full volume in a public space. It’s uncomfortable for everyone, including bystanders. Leave the serious talk for some private place where you can say what you need to without having to make strangers squirm.

Take Photos of Strangers Without Permission

Photo Credit: VladyslaV Travel Photo/Shutterstock

Yes, people might have an interesting outfit or a quirky thing going on, but photographing them without their consent is a big no-no. It’s not only invasive but could also lead to confrontation. Admire from afar with the phone in your pocket.

Talk About Gross or Personal Topics

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Boundaries should be set for public conversations. Nobody needs to hear the details of your last surgery, intimate relationship, or the activity of your bathroom. That level of oversharing isn’t what people in the coffee line signed up for.

Pick Your Nose

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Let’s start with the classic: nose-picking. Everyone knows it’s a bad habit, but some people simply can’t help themselves. Either out of boredom or absentmindedness, digging for gold in public is sure to gross out anyone near you. If you’re in an emergency, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.

Cut in Line

Photo Credit: KornT/Shutterstock

Nothing tests people’s patience quite like line-cutters. We all have to wait our turn, whether it’s a bus, a movie, or the loo. Skipping ahead is impolite, and pretty much guaranteed to elicit some grumbling or outright confrontation.

Spit on the Ground

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Not only is spitting in public unhygienic, it’s downright unpleasant to watch. Whether you’re on the sidewalk or outdoors, get a tissue, or better yet, hold it in.

Let Your Kids Run Wild

Photo Credit: Pexels

Children are cute until they’re climbing on restaurant tables or screaming in stores. Public harmony demands that you keep your kids entertained and in check. Everyone else’s experience is disturbed by letting them run amok.

Leave Trash Behind

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Littering isn’t just disrespectful, it’s harmful to the environment. Always get your trash to the nearest bin, whether it’s a candy wrapper or a coffee cup. A mess says a lot about you, and none of it is good.

Be Obnoxiously Drunk

Photo Credit: Pexels

Having fun is different from being the life of the party at everyone else’s expense. In movies, loud, sloppy, and over-the-top behavior might be entertaining, however, in reality, it’s just disruptive and often embarrassing.

Start saving your ideas

Invade Personal Space

Photo Credit: Kaique Rocha/Pexels

Standing too close to someone in a line or leaning in too far during a conversation can make people uncomfortable. Respect personal boundaries and remember that everyone appreciates a little breathing room.

Play Pranks on Strangers

Photo Credit: BearFotos/Shutterstock

Public pranks are more common, thanks to social media, but what seems funny to you might scare or upset another person. Pulling a stunt? Think twice; it’s not worth going viral if it ruins someone’s day.

Monopolize Public Seating

Image Credit: Kelly/Pexels

Hogging space is never cool, whether you’re at a park or a café. It’s inconsiderate to spread your stuff out across an entire bench or to take up extra seats during rush hour. Give others a chance to enjoy the space too.

Engage in Excessive PDA

Photo Credit: Pexels

It’s sweet to hold hands or a quick kiss, but full-blown make-out sessions? Not so much. Keep the romance PG in public spaces; save the steamy moments for somewhere private.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Night

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Best African photo safari

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Start saving your ideas

Similar Posts