GGM's Guide to the Unsaid Rules & Commandments of Social Cues

VOL. I (Who’s Driving and What’s the Relationship?)

We at Good Grief Media have found that there is a surprising lack of people who seem to have a solid grasp on the subconscious Do’s and Don’ts of social settings and situations. Whether it be the complicated rules of the AUX cord, or something as simple as figuring out where to go and what to do, there is a “rulebook” of sorts, based on the social dynamics of each situation. 

This article is for those who find themselves overstepping their boundaries, and making others’ uncomfortable in social settings.

DISCLAIMER

Each social group may have their own ideas of what is okay and not okay when out and about. These rules/commandments are solely based on personal experiences and in no way, shape, or form should be followed blindly. Approach each situation with a new perspective, assess the vibe of said situation, and proceed from there.

Rule 1.jpeg

1) Driver Chooses Music.

You might think this goes without saying, but we cannot tell you how many times we’ve had a grubby handed individual reach for the aux cord before even starting the car. We don’t care how “crazy” you think Immortal Technique’s “Dance With the Devil” is Trevor, We’ve heard it before.

Now with that being said, if a passenger is known to share your taste in music, they may ask if they can show you a song. At this point, you can:

  1. Say No.

  2. Ask what song it is.

  3. Say Yes.

We suggest you go with choice B or C if you enjoy people liking you, but hell, we’ve even had to throw a few No’s out there occasionally. However, there are some counterpoint bullets: 


  • If your source of music is gone (phone dead, no signal, etc.) the aux cord goes directly to the person sitting shotgun/person of your choice. The rules above still apply however. 

  • If your music choice has left the social atmosphere in a lull, your possession of the aux cord may be vetoed if outnumbered.

  • Whoever’s car it is that you’re driving has ultimate decision in what is being played, if they are present.  (i.e. driving a drunk friend home in their car)

2) The Driver Has Final Say in the Destination.

Let’s say, You and three friends decide to take a trip to the beach. Friend #1 and #2 would like to go to Beach A. However, You don’t like that beach because of the *[ENTER VALID REASON HERE]*. Instead, You prefer Beach B. Friend #3 has no preference between the two beaches, and is just along for the ride. You, as the driver, have final say in what beach to go to. Due to you providing the transportation, You are in control of the entire operation, therefore given final say in whatever is going to happen. However, there are always counterpoints…

  • If you are outnumbered in the decision of the destination, you revoke the ability to change locations without a valid reason. Instead, you should pitch your location change to the group, it is then up to you to convince them to go with your plan. 

  • You may request a destination before piling in the car to drive aimlessly. (Because that’s not fun for anyone.)

  • Be sure to know what you are signing yourself up for before offering to drive. 

*[ENTER VALID REASON HERE]* must be considered an ACTUAL “valid reason” by the group. 

Rule 3.jpeg

3) Dear Driver: PLEASE be mindful of the volume in your car, maybe we want to talk. 

This rule is addressed to the person driving the vehicle. It is considered rude to have music blaring with others in the car without having their agreement or knowledge. When another party enters a vehicle, please be mindful of the music volume. It’s not always about the music, as much as you might enjoy it. Maybe we haven’t seen you in a couple days and want to catch up. Nothing is more uncomfortable than trying to talk louder than the music being played. We end up yelling, then we can’t hear what you’re saying, it turns into an absolute shitshow. Nevertheless, for consistency purposes, we’ve come up with some counterpoints…

  • If there happens to be a lull in the conversation, volume is allowed to be raised.

  • If it is a good song and is mutually agreed as such, volume is allowed to be raised.

  • If previously agreed upon, whether it be sharing a new song, or not wanting to talk, volume can be raised.

DISCLAIMER

Once again, Each social group may have their own ideas of what is okay and not okay when out and about. These rules/commandments are solely based on personal experiences and in no way, shape, or form should be followed blindly. Approach each situation with a new perspective, assess the vibe of said situation, and proceed from there. This is not a rulebook, instead a collection of ideas we at GGM think will improve the wellbeing of your social situations.