Halloween is just around the corner! Let’s make it safe, fun, and comfortable for everyone. Here’s a list of Halloween Don’ts to keep things running smoothly this spooky season.

1. Don’t post/send jumpscares

Giving people anxiety/panic attacks is completely unnecessary and has no comedic or good value to it at all. Even if it doesn’t give someone an anxiety or panic attack, it’s just so overdone and annoying. Don’t ruin everyone’s day by posting spam screamers while you rudely laugh behind a screen.

2. Don’t wear a culturally appropriative costume:

It’s a culture, not a costume. You might think you’re paying homage to the culture but you’re mocking it and making it into something that doesn’t have a history or real people within the culture. There’s more to someone’s culture than the stereotypes that Party City makes them out to be.

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3. Don’t slut shame

Their body, their choice. You don’t get to dictate what someone is wearing just because it’s not your average day. Costume or regular clothes, people are allowed to dress however they feel is right for them. The fact that they are wearing a costume doesn’t take away the fact they’re a human who ultimately gets to make their own choices; they don’t need your rude and unwarranted comments.

4. Don’t drink and drive

Of course, you should never do this, but people tend to go to Halloween parties, drink, and get behind the wheel, forgetting the influx of nighttime pedestrians due to trick or treating, putting many people at risk. Please just find a designated driver.

5. Don’t touch people just because you see their skin

“But they’re in a costume!” Doesn’t matter. Just because you can see their thighs or cleavage, that isn’t an open invite for you to touch them without permission. Again, these are still people under the costume, not inanimate objects. Plus it’s just disgusting and ruins the fun of dressing up.

6. Don’t make people feel bad for not celebrating

Not everyone celebrates Halloween for a variety of reasons. If someone isn’t celebrating, don’t bash them for it. You don’t know their reasoning and it isn’t your place to question them on it either unless otherwise stated. There’s no need to make assumptions or call someone out for not participating in Halloween.

7. Don’t make people feel bad for celebrating

Whatever your reason for not celebrating Halloween is, don’t make those who do celebrate feel bad. They are not better or worse for celebrating.

8. Don’t use your costume as an excuse

Whatever your costume may be, do not use it as an excuse to do something that would harm anyone else. If the character you’re being would harass people, don’t think that gives you the right to harass people. If the character you’re being would steal from people, don’t think that gives you the right to steal from people. The list can go on and on. Just remember that you are still you and you are not who/whatever your costume is.

Basically, all of this applies to everyday life as well, but sometimes it can be forgotten on Halloween. Look out for each other and have a happy Halloween/October 31st!