Living in a particular social system (society), it is vital to follow the set of shared guidelines advocating the privacy, dignity and singularity of each individual of the social system (society). These shared guidelines, which we can refer to as “boundaries”, make sure that we have a sharp sense of self and a vague understanding of the space of other individuals as well. We can transform this world into a happy and a smooth place for all of us, once we realize our responsibility to comply with the boundaries. Let us take a pen and see how many of the following rules you adhere to;
1. Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your call, presume that they have something important to attend to;
2. Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person remembers lending it to you. It shows your integrity and character. Same goes with little things like umbrellas, pens and lunch boxes;
3. Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is giving you lunch/dinner. If possible ask them to order their choice of food for you;
4. Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you have kids’ or ‘Why didn’t you buy a house?’ Or why don't you buy a car? It is none of your concern;
5. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public;
6. If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time;
7. Respect different shades of opinions. Remember what's the digit 6 to you will appear the digit 9 to someone facing you. Besides, second opinion is good for an alternative;
8. Never interrupt people talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all;
9. If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and it shows how appreciative you are;
10. Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.
11. Praise publicly. Criticize privately;
12. There is almost never a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will;
13. When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You never know what’s next;
14. If a colleague tells you they have a doctors' appointment, don’t ask what it’s for, just say "I hope you’re okay". Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their personal illness. If they want you to know, they will do so without your inquisitiveness;
15. Treat the subordinates with the same respect as the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how rude you can treat someone below you but people will notice if you treat them with respect;
16. If a person is speaking directly to you, staring at your phone is rude;
17. Never give advice until you’re asked;
18. When meeting someone after a long time, unless they want to talk about it, don’t ask them their age and salary;
19. Mind your business unless anything involves you directly - just stay out of it;
20. Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign of respect. Furthermore, eye contact is as important as your speech;
21. Never talk about your riches in the midst of the poor. Similarly, don't talk about your children in the midst of the barren.
22.After reading a good message, try to say “Thanks for the message". “Appreciation” remains the easiest way of getting what you don't have.
If you have checked the maximum of the rules; you are on the right track. Now, you have to be very consistent in following them and also, it’s your moral responsibility to educate others about it. In case you have ticked the lesser rules, it’s fine, it’s never too late. You can kick off practising them from this very moment.
Monthly "Azeem English Magazine", launched in 2000, records the information about diverse fields like mental health, literature, research, science, and art. The magazine's objective is to impart social, cultural, and literary values to society.
