Bill Maher has a segment on his HBO show called “New Rules”. Basically he creates new rules that address current events or politics. These rules are an attempt to take the hypocrisy out of it all with an attempt at humor. Here are a few examples.
So I think we should give it a shot. Let’s think of our own new rules. They can be as serious, mundane or silly as you want. Ok, I’ll (try to) get this started.
New Rule: If you can introduce yourself to someone you should be able to de-introduce yourself (outroduce?)
This idea started in college. I was introduced to this girl at a party. We didn’t really talk or hit it off or anything. However we lived in the same dorm complex. We also shared alternating class schedules that required walking up and down a very narrow path. So while I was walking to class, she would be walking back home, and vice-versa. So since we knew each other it would be rude to not say hello.
So every time we passed each other (sometimes multiple times a day) there was a small, simple greeting. “Hey” “How’s it going?” “Hi” “Hello” “How are you?” “Fine, thanks.” and so on and so on… We never stopped to actually talk. We never said anything than a couple of words each. And this went on for months… I swear I even forgot this girl’s name after the first week or so. I just wanted to grab her one day and say “Hi is it ok if we stop greeting each other? This whole thing is making me feel awkward”. But of course I would have looked like a complete psycho (ugh). And really, I didn’t hate this girl or anything. It was just awkward having to constantly greet some person I didn’t know at all…
Alright, I guess mine is kind of lame but that’s all I’ve got for now. Please feel free to add your own.