While growing up in Texas my teen years, I spent the night at my neighbor's house. During breakfast, the mom asked if I wanted more cereal and made it clear I should've said, "Yes ma'am" when my response lacked that good ol' southern hospitality. I ended up tattling to my own mom, who reminded me we weren't raised that way. (California babies)
Home rules or mannerisms, are not only different depending on what side of the continent you live on, but what culture you're from. Take for instance, shoes by the door. Or a bowed greeting. Eating everything given, no matter how bad it is, to not offend your host. Looking the person who's talking in the eye.
Then there are more simplistic rules of the home: wash your hands before eating, clean your room, leave the toilet seat down, always kiss your wife goodbye.
Whatever the degree of rules in your home, the number one rule should always be : RESPECT. It happens to encompass everything from culture rules to good old rules by mom and dad.
3 QUESTIONS TO THE READER:
1. Is there a culture house rule that has thrown you for a loop?
2. What are some of your home rules?
3. Who would be the first to break them??
We have only two rules.
ReplyDeleteThe first is on a plaque near the front door: Feel free to admire the dust, but please refrain from writing in it (Quentin Crisp once said, "There is no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt doesn't get any worse.").
The second rule? Be nice to the dogs.
Keith Channing A-Zing from http://keithkreates.com
I need that plaque!!
DeleteOurs was not so much a "rule" but more of a reminder, "It's fine if you make a mess as long as you clean it up."
ReplyDeleteAnd for fun... I have a magnet on our refrigerator that reads: If it walks out of the fridge, let it go!
I need that magnet! How funny!!
DeletePlease and Thank you are driven towards the children but it sure seems like it's forgotten once the teen years hit. Sometimes before that.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Finnell from
@Randallbychance
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanies Stuff
Oh my gosh. Yes!! I'm always reminding mine.
DeleteI do agree about respect being a key rule in a household. One of our rules is clean up after yourself. Since it is just hubby and me now at home, it is an easy one for both of us to keep. Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteBetty
Keeps y'all from fighting I imagine. Haha..
DeleteI can't remember too many rules, but I do remember doing things I shouldn't and being scolded or punished for that. Tracking in mud was a biggie. Leaving the refrigerator door ajar was big, too. Not putting my dirty laundry in the hamper. Big No. No.
ReplyDeleteYou're making me squirm girl!!!
DeleteI think I only have one house rule (for my house) which is; don't notice the lack of cleaning.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, I have other things to do!
Jemima Pett
Exactly!!! I'm on board with that!
DeleteRespect is indeed everything. Thanks for sharing that, greetings!
ReplyDeleteYes it is!!
DeleteWe never cut our nails on Friday or Sunday. My mom said it was unlucky to do so on Sunday, Matt's Mom said Friday, so we follow both. Stupid but... I like the list of things above though. I guess we basically follow those. No kids around so just us.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's a new one!!
DeleteJ here, of the #atozchallenge Arlee Bird's A to Z Ambassador Team.
ReplyDeleteHow has the first week of the challenge been for you so far? Are you meeting your goals of posting and hopping to other blogs? Looking forward to Sunday off?
My blog's giveaways are still going! I'm encouraging everyone to visit more stops.
http://jlennidornerblog.what-are-they.com
1- I knew a family that ignored the phone, doorbell, etc during dinner.
2- Which home? I grew up in more than one. I think "don't burn it down" applies to all of them, even the trees.
3- I guess me, depending which home.
I never answer the phone either during dinner!
ReplyDeleteNo phones both landlines and cells are not allowed at the table or family events.
ReplyDeleteyes! love the rule
DeleteI've always liked that set of house rules. I'm finding more and more friends here in California that want shoes left at the door now. It would be kind if they could announce that desire ahead of time so that guest could be prepared and have non-skid socks or slippers with them.
ReplyDeletemy various sock colors might throw them off. Ha!
DeleteOne house rule my father insists on is always washing your hands after coming in. He's such a germaphobe, though I finally understand it's about more than just that. A lot of nasty things can accumulate on the hands, and they need washed off instead of rubbed onto other people and things.
ReplyDeletewow, never thought of it. but, yeah, makes total sense!
Delete