‘What’s a rule in society that everyone agrees is pointless, but we all still follow?’ – 21 conventions that should be retired

Without the rules that everyone unthinkingly follows, society would probably fall apart and we’d be plunged into chaos quicker than you can say ‘I’ve broken into my neighbour’s house because I fancied using their jacuzzi’.

But are there rules which are ultimately pointless but we all stick to because everybody else does? Over on Reddit, neegawut asked:

‘What’s a rule in society that everyone agrees is pointless, but we all still follow?’

And plenty of people had thoughts on the things we blindly do without really thinking about it.

1.

‘Clicking ‘I have read and agree to the terms and conditions’—we all know nobody’s reading that novella.’
–Muted_Ad216

2.

‘Saying “We should get together sometime” with no intention of ever doing so.’
–Njtotx3

3.

‘When you go to a bank and have to snake through the ropes even when no one else is in line. I tried going around once and the teller told me not to.’
–SnooBaruSTI

4.

‘Inviting all your relatives to your wedding. Some relatives don’t even care if I’m getting married but sure will be offended if I don’t invite them.’
–Phoenixx_mama

5.

‘The need to buy an expensive engagement ring to demonstrate your love.’
–Bizarre_Protuberance

6.

”How are you doing?’

Answer literally ANYTHING but ‘I’m fine’ and people go ballistic.’
–Wranglin_Pangolin

7.

‘The idea of certain foods for certain parts of the day. If I want a cheeseburger at 6 am, and your restaurant can make cheeseburgers, then what’s the problem?’
–Phill_Cyberman

8.

‘Saying ‘bless you’ after someone sneezes.’
–erockdanger

9.

‘F**king ties. Who thought that some useless piece of rag around your neck is a synonym of formality or good taste? Ties are the single most stupid piece of clothing ever made.’
–dumineitor

10.

‘Typing ‘Lol’ in a text to make it sound nicer or that I find what they’re saying funny. But in reality, I’m not laughing or smiling at all.’
–iluvhotcheetos07