In a world dominated by technology, shifting social norms, and a collective dose of modern-day awkwardness, we’ve developed some strange new rules for navigating human interaction. These habits, while bizarre when you think about them, have become second nature. The weird part is not just that we do these things but that we’ve all silently agreed they’re totally normal now. From how we text to how we flirt, here’s a look at the quirky social rules that are now part of everyday life—and why they’re here to stay.
1. Texting Before You Call

Once upon a time, phones were used for, well, calling. But these days, dialing someone’s number without a heads-up feels almost as invasive as showing up at their house unannounced. Before calling, the polite thing to do is send a quick text—“Hey, got a sec?”—as if asking permission to use your voice is the only acceptable way forward. Don’t believe us? According to a USA Today article, “You should now text someone before you call them. ‘It’s a social courtesy that allows the receiver to let you know if they are available,'” says etiquette expert Diane Gottsman.
Skip this step, and you risk catching someone completely off guard, leaving them wondering if it’s an emergency or if you’ve just lost all sense of modern etiquette. This rule highlights how much we value boundaries in today’s world. We all live busy lives, and an unexpected call can feel like an interruption, no matter how well-meaning it is. A simple text is like ringing a doorbell before walking in—it sets the stage, eases anxiety, and makes everyone feel a bit more in control of the interaction.
2. Muting Yourself On Zoom Even When You’re Not Talking
The rise of video calls has come with its own set of unspoken rules, and muting yourself is at the top of the list. Even if you’re sitting in complete silence, the fear of background noise—your dog barking, your neighbor’s leaf blower, or an ill-timed sneeze—keeps everyone glued to that mute button. Forgetting to mute has become the modern equivalent of walking into a room with your fly down—it’s embarrassing, disruptive, and guaranteed to earn you a few side-eyes. And yes, this really has become social etiquette. According to Zoom’s own support page, “Muting yourself is helpful to manage background noise or when you need to quickly step away from a Zoom meeting. This setting silences your audio and can prevent disruptions and noise in a meeting”
But beyond avoiding distractions, muting is a way of showing respect. It says, “I’m here, but I won’t dominate the soundscape.” And while it can be a bit stressful to remember to unmute when it’s your turn to speak, the collective relief of a noise-free call is worth the extra effort. Zoom might not be perfect, but muting yourself is a small way to make it more tolerable for everyone involved.
3. Pretending You Didn’t See Someone To Avoid Talking To Them
We’ve all been there: you spot someone you know in the grocery store, and instead of saying hi, you quickly duck behind the nearest display of cereal boxes. It’s not that you don’t like them—it’s just that the thought of making small talk feels like more effort than you can muster. Pretending not to see someone has become an art form, complete with strategic maneuvers and carefully averted gazes. According to an article on Choosing Therapy, “Social fatigue can impact your entire life. While managing social exhaustion can be difficult, you can recharge your energy by prioritizing self-care”
This unspoken rule reflects the reality of social fatigue. In a world where we’re constantly connected, sometimes the best way to protect your energy is to save it for the people and moments that truly matter. And hey, they’re probably relieved they don’t have to do the awkward “How have you been?” dance, too.
4. Sending Voice Notes Instead Of Texting
Voice notes have become the love child of texting and calling—a happy medium for when you want to say more than a quick text allows but aren’t quite up for a full-blown conversation. Whether you’re venting about your day or sharing a funny story, voice notes let you add personality, tone, and inflection in a way that typing just can’t. But they’re not without their quirks—like the stress of recording one without stumbling over your words or the awkwardness of realizing your three-minute monologue might’ve been better as a text. According to a study by Preply, 41% of people have observed an upswing in voice notes over recent years. In fact, 2 in 3 Americans actively use voice notes when communicating.
Despite these hiccups, voice notes offer a level of intimacy and efficiency that keeps them in our communication arsenal. They’re especially useful for sharing complex thoughts or updates when typing it all out feels exhausting. Sure, they might not replace traditional conversations, but in the realm of modern communication, they’ve carved out their own unique niche.
5. Liking Someone’s Instagram Story As A Way Of Flirting

Modern flirting has gone digital, and one of its most subtle moves is liking someone’s Instagram story. It’s not as bold as sliding into their DMs but still enough to send a clear signal of interest. It’s low-risk, easily deniable, and perfectly ambiguous—did they like your story because they’re into you, or was it just a casual double-tap? The mystery is half the fun.
But this tactic isn’t without its pitfalls. Overthinking is practically a requirement—what if you like too many stories? What if they don’t respond? Despite these potential awkward moments, using story likes as a way of flirting has become the go-to move for romantics in the digital age. It’s subtle, strategic, and just the right amount of cheeky.
6. Avoiding Eye Contact To Avoid “Inviting Conversation”

In the past, eye contact was a polite way to acknowledge someone’s presence. Now, it’s a potential conversation starter that most people would rather avoid. On the subway, in line at the coffee shop, or walking down the street, avoiding eye contact has become a survival skill for those who value their peace and quiet. A quick glance at your phone or a deliberately distant stare is often enough to signal, “Please don’t talk to me.”
While it might seem antisocial, this habit stems from the fact that most people are simply trying to navigate their day with as little interruption as possible. It’s not about rudeness—it’s about conserving energy. And honestly? Sometimes, avoiding small talk is the ultimate act of self-care.
7. Ghosting Someone Instead Of Having A Breakup Discussion
Ghosting might be one of the most controversial social norms to emerge in recent years. Instead of having an awkward breakup conversation, many people opt to simply disappear—no texts, no calls, no explanation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it spares you the discomfort of confrontation. For the ghoster, it’s a stress-free escape; for the ghosted, it’s a confusing and often hurtful experience.
Despite its flaws, ghosting has become a common practice in the dating world, especially in the age of apps and online connections. While it’s not exactly kind, it’s a reflection of how our fast-paced, convenience-driven culture has reshaped the rules of relationships. If nothing else, it’s a reminder to always leave your read receipts off.
8. Using Emojis To Soften Harsh Texts
The power of emojis cannot be overstated. A single smiley face or heart can completely change the tone of a text, transforming a potentially harsh message into something warm and approachable. “Sure.” can come across as cold, but “Sure :)” suddenly feels friendly. Emojis have become the social safety net for digital communication, ensuring that your words are received as intended.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Overusing emojis can make you seem insincere, while underusing them might leave your messages open to misinterpretation. The trick is finding the right balance—enough to convey your tone but not so many that it feels forced. In the end, emojis are less about decoration and more about connection, helping us navigate the nuances of text-based communication with a little extra flair.
9. Apologizing When Someone Else Bumps Into You
There’s something uniquely modern about apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. When someone accidentally bumps into you, the instinctive response is often, “Sorry!” It’s a reflex born out of politeness, even if it doesn’t make much logical sense. This habit might seem strange, but it’s also a testament to how much we value harmony in social interactions.
In a world where tensions can run high, these small acts of unnecessary politeness serve as a buffer against conflict. Sure, it’s not technically your responsibility to apologize, but sometimes, keeping the peace is more important than being right. And honestly, who doesn’t appreciate a little extra kindness in their day?
10. Overthinking How Long To Wait Before Responding To A Message

In the age of instant messaging, timing is everything—or at least, that’s what we’ve convinced ourselves. Responding too quickly might make you seem overly eager, while waiting too long risks appearing disinterested. The result? Countless minutes spent agonizing over the perfect window of time to reply, all while your phone taunts you with its blinking notifications.
While this habit might seem irrational, it speaks to our deep desire to manage perceptions in the digital world. We want to come across as thoughtful but not desperate, engaged but not clingy. It’s a delicate dance, and one that most of us are still trying to master. In the meantime, maybe we should all agree to stop overthinking and just hit “send.”
11. “Unliking” Something You Accidentally Liked From Years Ago

The dreaded accidental like—modern-day social media users know this fear all too well. You’re innocently scrolling through someone’s Instagram, maybe snooping through photos from three years ago, and suddenly your thumb betrays you. You’ve liked the photo, and now the panic sets in. Should you unlike it? Leave it and hope they don’t notice? Text them a random excuse? The unwritten rule says to unlike it immediately, but even then, the anxiety of being caught lingers.
This peculiar habit of “unliking” something speaks to the bizarre etiquette of online interactions. Social media has made it easy to connect with others but has also introduced a minefield of potential awkwardness. The accidental like is a reminder of how much we overthink even the smallest gestures, turning a simple tap into a digital faux pas that keeps us up at night.
12. Asking, “Can I Ask You A Question?” Before Actually Asking The Question

Why do we feel the need to preface a question with this redundant statement? It’s one of those habits that’s become so ingrained in our speech that we barely notice it anymore. It’s like asking for permission to ask for permission—a bizarre extra step that serves no practical purpose but somehow feels necessary in conversation. Maybe it’s our way of softening the blow of an impending query or testing the waters before diving in.
Still, this social quirk reflects our desire to avoid coming across as too direct or demanding. By asking, “Can I ask you a question?” we’re signaling that we value the other person’s time and attention. It’s a subtle way of showing respect, even if it’s completely unnecessary. And let’s be honest—most of us are going to say yes anyway, so why not just get straight to the point?
13. Sending A “Let Me Know When You Get Home!” Text After Hanging Out
It’s a simple text, but it carries a lot of weight. “Let me know when you get home” has become a universal sign of care and concern, a way to say, “I want to make sure you’re safe” without being overbearing. While it might seem like a small gesture, it’s a testament to how much we value the well-being of our friends and loved ones. It’s also one of those habits that feels slightly awkward when you’re the one sending it but incredibly comforting when you’re the one receiving it.
In a world where safety isn’t always guaranteed, this text serves as a tiny act of kindness that helps us stay connected. It’s a way of saying, “You matter to me,” without needing to say it outright. And let’s face it—few things feel better than getting that “Home safe!” reply and knowing your person is okay.
14. Claiming You’re “Busy” When You Just Don’t Feel Like Going Out
“Sorry, I’m busy” has become the go-to excuse for getting out of plans you’d rather not keep. It’s a polite way of saying, “I’m prioritizing my peace tonight” without having to explain yourself. Whether you’re curled up with a good book, binge-watching your favorite show, or just enjoying some much-needed alone time, the “busy” excuse lets you bow out gracefully without hurting anyone’s feelings.
This little white lie highlights how much we value our personal time in today’s fast-paced world. Social obligations can be exhausting, and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to say no. So, the next time you hear yourself uttering, “I’m busy,” remember that it’s okay to take a rain check. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
15. Obsessing Over How You Come Across Online
Social media has given us countless ways to connect, but it’s also introduced a whole new realm of overthinking. Did that comment come across as too flirty? Was that post too self-indulgent? Should I delete this photo because it didn’t get enough likes? We’ve all been there—agonizing over the smallest details of our online presence as if it’s a high-stakes branding exercise.
While this habit might seem excessive, it reflects our deep desire to present the best version of ourselves to the world. Social media is, after all, a curated highlight reel, and we want ours to be as polished as possible. But here’s a little secret: most people are too busy overthinking their own profiles to notice yours. So, go ahead and post that selfie, leave that comment, and remember that authenticity is always more appealing than perfection.