Quirky little habits that make perfect sense... to us.
We all have them — those weird little life rules that don’t make a whole lot of sense to anyone else, but feel totally normal to us. They’re not written down anywhere. No one announced them at a family meeting. They just… appeared. And once they do, they stick.
The funny thing is, these invisible rules show up in nearly every part of life — our homes, our kitchens, our routines, even the way we interact with strangers. It’s one of those quirks that makes us human. So today, I’m calling them out. Because if we can’t laugh at our own strange little systems, what’s the point?
Household Quirks We All Pretend Are Normal
Every home has its own set of sacred objects. The “good” scissors — not the ones for opening snack bags, but the sharp pair reserved for gift wrap or crafts... and then there's the pair that's for fabric ONLY. The mug you reach for every morning, even though you have ten others in the cupboard. The chair or spot on the couch that’s unofficially reserved. Everyone knows it’s yours, even if there’s no name tag.
And let’s not forget the “good” blanket. You know the one — it’s folded neatly on the back of the couch and looks cozy, but heaven forbid it actually gets used. These rules don’t have to make sense. They just are.
Food Rules That Somehow Become Law
The kitchen is full of invisible boundaries. Leftovers, for example. They may sit in the fridge unguarded, but deep down, we all know if something’s been mentally “claimed,” it’s off-limits.
Then there’s the one condiment you can’t live without. Maybe it’s ketchup, hot sauce, or ranch dressing — whatever it is, running out feels like a small crisis. And some people (no judgment here) eat things in a very particular order. M&Ms by color. Fries before the burger. Pizza crust last. It’s less about logic and more about ritual.
I’ve even met people who have rules about pasta — never break spaghetti in half, ever. Meanwhile, others swear by breaking it. Neither side is wrong, but both will argue like it’s a matter of international law.
Daily Routines with a Side of Ritual
Routines might be where our weird rules shine the brightest. The “right” way to fold laundry — even if no one else will ever see it. The dishwasher loaded in a very particular pattern. The sequence of your morning routine: shower, skincare, breakfast, in that exact order or the whole day feels off.
TV time comes with its own quirks too. Some shows are “background noise” while you do chores. Others are reserved for sitting down and paying attention. And heaven help the person who messes with the remote and doesn’t put things back the way they were.
Social Rules We Don’t Talk About
These are the silent agreements we all live by. The armrest at the movie theater — you get one, not both. Parking in “your spot,” even though no one has a deed to it.
Then there’s grocery store etiquette: once you’ve chosen your checkout line, you’re committed. Switch lines and you’re basically inviting the universe to punish you with an even longer wait.
Or think about the unwritten rules of neighborhoods. You wave to your neighbor every time you pass, even if you’ve already waved three times that day. It’s not optional. It’s just what you do.
Why We Make These Weird Rules
So why do we create these random little systems for ourselves? I think it’s part comfort, part control, and part personality. They’re tiny rituals that give life a sense of order. They make our homes feel like ours and our days feel familiar, even when everything else is a little unpredictable.
And here’s the thing — these quirks aren’t silly. They’re what make us unique, and they’re also what connect us. Because once you start talking about them, you realize everyone has their own version.
So tell me: what’s one weird rule you live by that probably makes no sense on paper, but feels completely normal in your world?
If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.
This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.
This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.
Want in?
You’re invited to join my newsletter, Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).
This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.
You’re invited to join my newsletter, Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).
This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.
Click here to subscribe and come along for the ride. I’d love to have you in my corner.
Have a question or something to share?
✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.
Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.
Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things.
Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.
*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.
Bed must be made!!