30 Things That Aren’t As Rude As You Think

1. Leaving a party/function early, or even at a reasonable hour. A lot of people take offense if you leave before the end and it’s a drag.

2. Telling people what you want as far as your boundaries.

“I really don’t like being touched. Please don’t touch me.”

“I prefer not to text a lot during work hours.”

“I don’t like making last-minute plans. Next time please let’s set up plans ahead of time.”

“I don’t think we really click. I don’t think this is working.”

But standing up for your boundaries encourages people to stand up for theirs, too.

3. Not being able to do favors for someone when asked.

4. Asking for money that is owed to you. It seems awkward and rude but it really isn’t, or at least shouldn’t be.

5. Ending a conversation with someone who is legit trying to commandeer your time.

6. Passing people who are walking really slowly. “Ope sorry, just going to squeeze by. Sorry. Sorry about that.”

7. Calling out of work when I am sick. Most act like I’m faking it so it makes me feel bad whenever I need to due to medical issues.

8. Correcting someone if they mispronounce my name.

9. Waking into a restaurant and then walking out without getting anything. You might think the cook will be offended but they’re probably just relieved that they don’t have to do more work.

10. Not hanging out with people because you are tired.

11. Not being available 24/7 despite being reachable 24/7.

12. Saying “no thanks” when offered more food. Especially at a family function, there are always those relatives that offer so much. I really don’t need to eat that much food.

13. Discussing salary. It’s a good way to make sure you and your coworkers are all being treated fairly.

14. Asking, “How do we know each other?” I remember you, it’s just been a while. Help me out. Don’t be offended, please.

15. Making a decision. When someone asks you where you want to eat, for example, an actual suggestion is way better than: “I don’t care. Where do you want to eat?”

16. Not answering your own door when someone knocks.

17. Asking for assistance.

18. Calling people out for social misconduct. As in saying they are coming in 5 minutes only to not hear from them again.

19. Saying you need space/time to yourself. I don’t know why, but it always feels like I’m being rude when I tell people this, even though it’s just part of life and needing some alone time/time to think and reflect.

20. Telling the truth about something that might hurt but is going to save your butt in the long run.

21. Asking someone to correct your food order.

22. Saying, “You’re welcome.” It makes me feel as though I’m agreeing that they need to thank me, so I always go with, “No worries.”

23. Not wanting to talk on the phone.

24. Making complicated coffee orders at Starbucks.

25. Ringing the bell when there is no one at the service counter.

26. Telling a doctor that you want a second opinion.

27. “I’m not interested in your product or service. Please remove me from your distribution list.”

28. Texting with proper punctuation.

29. Putting your money in your wallet after a purchase with a line behind you.

30. Saying no to anything.