14 Ridiculous Rules Gen Zers and Millennials Live By
Start writing a post
Adulting

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.

235
14 Ridiculous Rules Gen Zers and Millennials Live By

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

Giphy

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

Giphy

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

Giphy

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

Giphy

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

Giphy

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

Giphy

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?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

Fatima Mohammed, a law student, is accused of demonizing Israel. Others say she used her right of free speech and college should a secular space to discuss these issues

757
Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

City University of New York and its law school came under scrutiny for a commencement ceremony that featured a keynote speech seen as discriminatory against Jews. The school system, better known as CUNY, released a statement condemning the remarks as “hate speech” following a widespread outcry and calls for the college to speak out.

Keep Reading...Show less
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...

One of the things that I love most is space. I am a HUGE space nerd. Literally ask any of my friends. I was first introduced to space when my dad dragged me to see Star Trek. Since walking out of that movie theater in 6th grade, becoming an astronaut hasn't been just some wild dream that could come true.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

The Stories Behind Scars

Some tales of tribulation with permanent impressions.

1901
The Stories Behind Scars
fanpop

Everybody has scars. Usually these marks carry a negative connotation because they mark up skin that was once smooth.

Keep Reading...Show less
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

3183
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments