verbingnouns

The Rules Do Not Apply To Me

When people make up rules, they are usually made for a good reason. I realize sometimes they seem arbitrary, and I don't think of myself as a legalist, but as a rule, (ha!) rules should be followed.
Certain people seem to think that the rules are there for everyone but themselves. We see you. We know who you are. We know you think you are above them, but the rules apply to you too. You think you're the only one who doesn't need to shower before you get in the pool at the gym. Who are you kidding? You've got funk just like everyone else. Take a shower! If you had ever seen the film over the public pool in Texarkana, you would appreciate this rule.
You think you can litter because it's just a little piece of trash and it won't make a difference. When everyone thinks this way, there are thousands of pieces of litter on the side of the road. You're not the only one who thinks they're immune.
How about the dress code? Believe it or not, the way you dress has a lot to do with the way you feel, and therefore the way you act. A lot of places don't have dress codes (a lot of places don't need dress codes), but if your place of business has one, you should follow it. It sets the tone. Oh yeah, and dress up for church.
Many rules are made for the safety of the entire public (like traffic rules). Other rules are made as a courtesy to others (like the rules of ettiquette). There are other rules which are seemingly arbitrary (like no white shoes after labor day or before Easter). I guess that's just a cultural thing. (I don't insist that you follow that one, but I'll laugh at you if you don't.)
I've heard it said that you should learn the rules and then learn to break them gracefully. I think that's true of a lot of things. But before you break them, make sure you really know what you're doing and that you really know who (or what) you're affecting.

**I realized after I wrote this, that I'm not the only one with rules on the mind.**