14 Things to Never Do in Public
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Invade Personal Space
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
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
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
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.
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