Most people have a moral code that they follow for themselves, and that we expect the people we associate with to mostly follow as well.
Some of us leave a lot more wiggle room in those codes than others, but excepting sociopaths and serial killers, we all have one.
If you’re curious where your morals fall on a scale, these 19 people are sharing their #1 most sacred rule.
19. An excellent rule of thumb.
I never mess with a persons food or vehicle if I got a problem with them.
Never mess with s*%t that ain’t yours.
18. This is something so many people should learn.
Apologize if you know you’ve done wrong.
It’s so hard to accept you’re in the wrong but it’s so important as well.
17. This simple advice will serve you well.
Don’t be an a$$hole is the first rule in our house, too.
Second is assume best intentions (on the part of whomever you are dealing with).
There are others but we’ve always said if you stick to those two solidly, you’ll do just fine.
16. The Doctor is wise.
Just as the Doctor says, “Never be cruel, and never be cowardly. And if you ever are, always make amends.”
This was a huge lesson my father taught us growing up. He really emphasized the strength it takes to apologize. More parents need to focus on this.
15. It’s a classic for a reason.
The golden rule really matters. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
It’s one of those sayings that you have to actually analyze and absorb, and life changes for the better. “A penny saved is a penny earned” is another one we all hear, but when you think about it and truly absorb the mentality, life changes for the better.
There’s so many sayings we all hear, and a lot of them really can make life better.
14. Be inclusive.
I won’t leave people out. I was frequently left out growing up, and it makes you feel an inch tall.
I always offer and then offer again, to include people. It’s always nice to have the offer even if you don’t want to come along.
Similar to this I always make it a point to make my own judgments about people. When I was growing up it was considered social suicide to be my friend. The only way I could make friends as a kid was if I befriended the new kid before someone else told them not to be my friend.
I think the least people can do for each other is make their own judgments after getting to know someone a bit and to not make plans within earshot of others unless you invite everyone who can hear it. People are social animals, it hurts to be excluded from the group.
13. Keep secrets (unless you shouldn’t).
Don’t tell truths that are not yours to tell. You don’t need to be spreading people’s business around without their permission.
That said, some of the big things should be told to protect others. Being hands off when someone will likely repeat an action that hurts others is the actual worst.
12. Time to train the rest of them.
If i’m the one who finishes the toilet paper roll, i’m the one who replaces it.
Sadly my family doesn’t do the same and then I have to waddle to the cabinet to get a new roll 😛
11. A few thoughts.
Try not to be a jerk.
Just because someone has it better than me doesn’t invalidate their troubles or concerns.
Always be happy for the homies success
Work hard but take no s*%t
I know it was supposed to be just one but I’d rank all these about the same.
10. Have courage.
Never be afraid to be honest or kind. Both can be very hard in the right circumstances.
9. The Doctor again!
“Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.” Stole it from Doctor Who.
8. Life is a two-way street.
If you want to have friends, you must first be one.
To be interesting you must also be interested.
7. Don’t assume.
Not assuming anything about people and who they are without hearing the whole story.
Also talking behind anyone’s back.
6. Or do your best to, anyway.
Always put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
It really help see thing from their perspective.
5. If you can.
Help if you can.
I’ve found this applies in all kinds of ways, in all kinds of situations. It also helps me sort through what my physical, mental, and emotional resources are, so I don’t over-promise, but I do stretch myself sometimes.
4. There are very few exceptions.
Keep your word, always.
If I decide to make plans, I follow through, if I say I’ll be there, I’ll be there. I grew up with constant disappointment, and as an adult, I realized a lot of people pay lip service but have no intention of following through, they just want to look good in the moment.
I try and live up to my word as much as possible because of this. I may not have a lot of friends, but I’m honest and dependable.
3. You have to look yourself in the mirror.
Be honestly observant of your own behavior when no one’s watching, because that’s the real you.
2. Think about how they feel.
Don’t mess with a man’s livelihood.
I was a brand new manager and made a joke about firing someone and instead of laughing they looked scared and upset. A more senior manager saw that and took me aside – he said “if you have the power to hire and fire, it’s not ever a joke. Don’t mess with a man’s livelihood”
Never forgot it and it served me well.
1. Think the best of people.
Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by ignorance.
People are only capable of that which they are conscious.
These are all excellent and make me feel better about existing in society.
What’s your personal top moral rule? If it’s not here, share it with us in the comments!
