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14 Ridiculous Rules Gen Zers and Millennials Live By

These 'rules' are self-inflicted; we don't know how they came about, yet we willingly live by them.

Teylor Veliotis

May 06, 2020

Fordham University

314

14 Ridiculous Rules Gen Zers and Millennials Live By

Photo by Victoria Heath on Unsplash

Sitting in the house without much to do has made me think about all the self-imposed rules we've all somehow come to live by. Even though these rules just seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, we follow them without question.

How were we able to distinguish what type of messages these rules send (such as hurtful ones or expressions of interest)? Why do we follow these unwritten rules?

1. Leaving someone on ‘open’ or ‘read’

Playing hard to get is leaving the guy you're into on open the next time he Snaps you. For some reason, ignoring someone makes them notice you more or get their attention.

2. Read receipts

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Turning on your read receipts adds attitude and power to your conversations. It's like when someone turns on read receipts specifically for their ex so that they know when you're purposely ignoring them. (It's not like I've done this before!)

3. Accepting a follow request but not requesting one back (if you know the person)

If you know the person who requested to follow you, it's definitely a bold move when you don't follow them back. It's crazy how people can assert power over each other from such things.

4. Not immediately opening or replying to a text or Snap

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You know, you can't open or reply back right away because then it seems like the only thing you're doing is sitting around waiting for them.

5. Phone calling or video chatting only with people you’re close to

You can't just call up someone on the phone unless you've established some type of rapport with them. Texting is the safer option for people you're not too close to. And don't even think about FaceTiming someone you're not already dating or best friends with; that's too weird.

6. Ghosting

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We've all heard of the ghosting phenomenon; instead of having the decency to reach out to someone directly to let them know you don't want to talk to them anymore, you can (and should) just ignore their messages and act like they don't exist. But, hey, I don't think I've ever actually been ghosted by anyone before, so maybe I can't give my input.

7. The thirst-trap double-standard

If a girl posts a picture in a bikini, people are going to call it a thirst-trap. But if a guy posts a story of himself working out without a shirt on every single day, his buddies are going to praise him. I really didn't want to bring up gender double-standards, but this has always stunned me.

8. Double Snapping

For some reason, it's seen as ~needy~ if you Snap someone again if they haven't replied back to you yet.

9. Sliding into the DMs

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Apparently, it's socially acceptable for a guy to flirt over DMs, but it's unacceptable for women to do the same. (This didn't stop me the one time I did this, though)

10. Being the first liker/commenter on a post

I don't follow this rule, but I guess some people think it's weird to be the first person to like or comment on a post. I don't care; if I see a bomb picture on my Instagram feed, I'm not going to stop myself from liking it just because I'd be their first notification.

11. Self-promo

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Social media is just another platform to promote work and inspire others. If someone doesn't support the work you're sharing with the world, they can just skip to the next post on their feed—it's not that hard.

12. Snap streaks

Let's be honest, sending someone a Snap and having them send one back every single day just to say you two have a 'streak' is stupid. Yet, some people lose sleep at night over their streaks and get offended when their streaks are broken.

13. Only taking pictures with your closest friends or the people in your friend group

I can't remember when the switch was flipped and suddenly it was awkward to take a picture with someone you aren't really close to. Vibing with someone when you're out at a club and wanting to take a picture with them to capture the moment? Incomprehensible.

14. Spamming

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Every girl's been there: a guy you don't even know spams you with likes. Thanks for the likes, but, uh … why? Why is this the procedure for getting someone's attention?

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Recommended for you

14 Ridiculous Rules Gen Zers and Millennials Live By

These 'rules' are self-inflicted; we don't know how they came about, yet we willingly live by them.

1. Leaving someone on ‘open’ or ‘read’

2. Read receipts

3. Accepting a follow request but not requesting one back (if you know the person)

4. Not immediately opening or replying to a text or Snap

5. Phone calling or video chatting only with people you’re close to

6. Ghosting

7. The thirst-trap double-standard

8. Double Snapping

9. Sliding into the DMs

10. Being the first liker/commenter on a post

11. Self-promo

12. Snap streaks

13. Only taking pictures with your closest friends or the people in your friend group

14. Spamming

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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