Women debate socially acceptable behaviors that they wish were forbidden

From shirtless men to people having speakerphone conversations, women have revealed behaviors that are often considered socially acceptable, but which they immensely dislike.

On UK parenting platform Mumsnet, a woman opened the discussion with a post entitled: “Things that are socially acceptable but you wish they weren’t”.

In it, she said her favorite nuisances are “men going shirtless in public,” men p***ing and smoking by the side of the road.

Many rushed to the comments to share their own examples of unacceptable behaviors that are societal norms, including “spitting,” “vaping,” and “false teeth.”

The original post said: “I feel like a bit of a man. For me: men p****** on the side of the road. I’ve seen this twice in the last few days but there were public toilets nearby.

From shirtless men to dogs in public spaces, women have revealed things that are socially acceptable and things they don’t like (stock image)

“If a woman did that, people would question her sanity or at least think she’s undignified, but for men it’s considered normal.

“Men who are shirtless in public. Do what you like in your own backyard, but why walk shirtless down the main street etc.?

“It’s never that hot in England – in some much hotter climates there are actually dignity laws that forbid both men and women from showing their arms or legs. And you know, sunburn.

‘Smoking. I hate running behind someone who is smoking, it blows in the face behind and gives me a headache. It’s unhealthy, expensive and, in my opinion, should just be banged in public.’

In response to the post, several agreed that they hated seeing shirtless men in public, adding their own particular dislikes.

One said: “Yes I agree with topless men, that’s what crossed my mind before I even clicked on your post.

“I also agree with smoking/vaping/weed. I admit that I make a very passive, aggressive “Eugh, that’s gross/stinks” face and blow it off my face dramatically to give them the image that other people shouldn’t be subject to their disgusting life choices.

“When people have really loud conversations in public and clearly want everyone else to hear what they’re saying. Nobody really cares.’

On the Parents’ Platform, an anonymous woman started the discussion by saying her favorite nuisances are “men going shirtless in public, men p***ing on the side of the road” and “smoking”.

Another wrote: “Definitely topless men. It’s pretty gross, especially if they have a beer belly.

“They also get on trains in the summer and you smell sweaty meat. yuck I’ve also seen guys run our local track shirtless – they would actually be cooler in their sweat-wicking t-shirts.

While another agreed, saying: “Agree with topless men (and boys). People who let their dogs jump on other people. Idle (in the car). Going out in joggers/leggings (I’m old.)’

However, some disagreed and said they see no problem with men taking off their shirts.

One person wrote: “I really don’t understand what’s wrong with topless men. A lot in my hot yoga class. What is so wrong with the human body that it offends people?’

While many agreed that it should be unacceptable for men to be naked in public, others disagreed and said they saw no problem with it

While another said: “Mmmmm! topless men. If they are fit, of course.”

Meanwhile, many forum users suggested that using the phone in company should be considered socially unacceptable.

One wrote: “It’s becoming increasingly socially acceptable to scroll the phone in society or use it at work for social reasons – both are impolite.”

Another said: “People are taking photos and videos on their phones all the time.”

Many mothers agreed that using cell phones in society is impolite and should not be seen as socially acceptable

And another forum user added: “Yes to all of the above. As for cell phones-urgh! Don’t pick up the phone again while you’re with me, it’s fucking rude.

“Should I just answer my private phone during your appointment? I’ve been known to stop, look purposefully at my watch and say to the customer, “You have 10 minutes left.”

A fourth wrote: “People who have their phones and speakers and are walking around having loud conversations on their phones.”

Others wished cosmetic surgery wasn’t as socially acceptable these days as it is, with one quoting: “Lip fillers — women everywhere look like blow-up dolls, tons of young women disfiguring themselves.”

Others listed their own personal dislikes, from lip fillers to dogs in public spaces to those who jump up on people

Another agreed, saying: “Oh yeah and uber pumped lips. You are a human, not a duck.”

Aesthetically, too, one mumsnetter said they hate “painted on eyebrows, fake tan that looks like you’ve been tangoed, trout pout, makeup so thick it looks like a mask, fake boobs, false teeth. Teenagers screaming when they meet others. People who say “like” or “initiate” every other word…

Dogs in public spaces was another thing cited by forum users as something they wish was socially unacceptable.

One person said: “Dogs – everywhere! Let dogs be dogs!! New pet peeve, no pun intended.’

And a second added: “Dogs in cafes, restaurants and shops.”

Meanwhile, another wrote: “Yes, and also dog owners who let their dog ruin other people’s days in different places because they have no control over their dog or can’t remember them.”