Unwritten Rules Weak People Do Not Do

Strength Is Often Seen in the Actions We Choose Not to Take

Kristi Makusha
Promptly Written
5 min readFeb 7, 2024

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So far in my life, I’ve met a wide range of people, from those who are very strong and brave to those who are still trying to find their way.

From close observation, I’ve learned that the strong tend to follow some unwritten rules. These rules aren’t hard to understand or fancy. They’re just plain old-fashioned.

Using this knowledge has helped me stay steady when things are unstable and find my way when I feel lost. Using these rules as a guide, I want to get stronger little by little. Even though I still have a long way to go, following this code makes me feel like I’m making progress.

Here's The List of Unwritten Rules Weak People Do Not Do In No Particular Order

Shaking Hands While Seated

When someone stands up to greet someone else, it shows they have a lot of respect for them. People often underestimate how much small actions like this can mean.

Don’t shake hands while sitting. Stand to show respect. Traditional etiquette still communicates care and courtesy today. Make polite greetings a habit, epitomizing class.

Correcting Speech

Being polite means ignoring small mistakes people make when talking since it’s important to be considerate of others. Sometimes, people forget this and focus too much on their mistakes instead of being kind and respectful.

Never correct how someone speaks. Respect them. Teacher William Arthur Ward stated,

“Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible.”

Using Aggression to Prove a Point

When people don’t have strong arguments, they might try to make up for it by being louder instead. They think that being loud will make their point more convincing, even if they don’t actually have a good argument.

Never prove a point by put-downs or shouting. Stay calm and polite. As Henry Ford said,

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

Discussion thrives without aggression.

Taking the Last Piece Without Consent

This action can be seen as selfish, especially if the item isn’t yours to begin with. If the last piece of food isn’t yours, don’t eat it. Share with others. As writer Paulo Coelho shared,

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”

Model consideration through small acts.

Forcing Your Beliefs

When people can’t handle challenges, they often try to force their opinions on others instead of earning their influence through respectful communication.

Have convictions, but don’t force beliefs on others. Lead by example. An Indian proverb advises

“A good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge.”

Live true to your values and let integrity speak.

Reacting Instantly

Answering questions without pause can lead to thoughtless responses. Taking a moment reflects wisdom. Pause after being asked a question. It allows you to think before responding. Mumon Ekai said:

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.”

Don’t rush to fill silence. Reflect then answer accurately.

Being Unprepared Financially

Carry some cash for unexpected situations. Financial preparedness prevents stressful predicaments. There is truth in the saying

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,"

Have money easily accessible for unpredictability. It spares you from avoidable problems down the road.

Forcing Your Presence

If you are not invited to something, don’t ask to join in. Respect people’s space and privacy. There is wisdom in knowing, as Voltaire once wrote,

“It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce.”

Graciously accept when not included in something rather than impose. Sensitively persuade when you seek involvement.

Disregarding Time

Be on time out of respect for others. Tardiness wastes their time. President Reagan put it well with

“We lead our lives believing in certain principles. And one way we transfer those principles to others is through the examples we set.”

Make punctuality a priority instead of keeping people waiting. Show you value others through responsibility.

Breaking Promises

Keep promises you make to others. Your word is your bond. In the words of the writer N.R. Narayana Murthy,

“Promises made have to be kept. And a man is only as good as his words.”

When you commit to someone, honor it. Let integrity guide you so others know they can depend on you.

Poor Financial Planning

Not being smart with your money or saving indicates a lack of foresight. Be wise with money and save for later. Financial stability matters. Generations have gained from planning carefully for the road ahead. As Shakespeare wrote:

“Neither a borrower nor a lender is.”

Manage spending and debt conscientiously.

Giving Endless Chances After Betrayal

If someone cheats on you, don’t give them another chance. You deserve faithfulness in a partner. As the adage goes:

“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

Don’t let someone disrespect you by being unfaithful. Know your self-worth and refuse to tolerate infidelity — you deserve better.

Dressing Inappropriately

Dress properly for every event. It shows you care. Maya Angelou advised

“When you know better you do better.”

Dress for the occasion at hand. Ignoring the dress code for occasions indicates a disregard for social norms and respect for the event.

Begging for Affection

Pleading for someone’s love or friendship shows a lack of self-worth. Don’t beg for a relationship. Know your self-worth isn’t tied to another’s affection. As Gandhi imparted,

“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”

Tend deeply to your own fulfillment.

Accountability? A Blurry Line

It takes courage to admit when we’ve made mistakes or done something wrong. Sometimes, people don’t have the strength or determination to stand up for what they’ve done and take responsibility for it. Own your actions and choices. Take responsibility. The leader Simon Sinek once said,

“A team is a group of people working together towards a common goal. A group of people is not necessarily a team.”

Ignoring Your Conversation Partner

Not paying attention to someone you’re speaking with, even if tired or bored, is rude and shows a lack of empathy. Give full attention when someone is talking to you. Even if bored or tired, listen. Japanese educator Tsunesaburo Makiguchi wrote,

“I will not permit myself to attempt to judge others. By sympathizing with them, I can understand them.”

Stay engaged with empathy.

Accepting Disrespect? Unfortunately

It’s not cool to accept disrespect, but sometimes people might let it slide because they think they’re being patient when really they’re just being weak. Don’t let anyone disrespect you. Stand up for yourself. Teacher Haim Ginott wisely stated,

“I am endlessly fascinated that people’s actions rarely reflect their words.”

Firmly maintain your boundaries.

Making Comparisons

When we negatively compare people, it can make them feel bad and damage their relationships with us.

Appreciate their uniqueness. Mark Twain once wrote,

“Always do right — this will gratify some and astonish the rest.”

Celebrate each person’s originality.

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Kristi Makusha
Promptly Written

I write what you need, not what I want. I don't believe in niche writing. Having knowledge about everything is sexy. Top writer in Writing