18 Habits Some Floridians Have That Scream “I Don’t Have Manners!”
Somewhere between drive-thru culture and doomscrolling, a few Americans seem to have misplaced their manners—maybe somewhere on a Florida highway during rush hour.
What used to be common courtesy now feels like rare treasure: holding doors, saying “excuse me,” and not blasting music on public transit.
This isn’t a lecture from a dusty old schoolmarm. It’s a reality check for anyone who’s ever witnessed someone clip their toenails in public (yes, it happens).
From the dining table to the digital world, these are the habits that turn heads, in the worst way.
Talking on Speakerphone in Public
There’s something about a loudspeaker conversation that makes everyone around instantly uncomfortable. It turns a private chat into a public theater—whether others want to hear it or not.
From grocery stores to airport gates, it’s become far too common for folks to broadcast their personal business like it’s breaking news.
Sure, phones are everywhere, and convenience matters. But shouting into your device while others are just trying to enjoy their burrito?
That’s not multitasking—it’s rude.
If your conversation is so important, step outside or use headphones. Public space isn’t your personal phone booth.
Leaving a Mess in Public Spaces
Whether it’s food wrappers on a restaurant table or wadded-up paper towels all over a restroom, some Americans treat public places like their personal trash can.
It’s one thing to leave behind a napkin by mistake. It’s another to walk away from a tornado of crumbs and empty drink cups like a raccoon rummaged through your belongings.
Janitorial staff work hard, but they’re not your maid service. Leaving a mess says more about your manners than you might realize.
A simple cleanup goes a long way—and so does basic respect for shared spaces.
Not Saying “Thank You”
It’s two words. Just two! Yet so many people act like saying “thank you” is a major inconvenience.
Whether it’s a cashier handing back your change or a stranger holding the door, skipping a quick acknowledgment feels colder than a Midwest winter.
Gratitude doesn’t cost a dime, but it has a major impact. It keeps everyday interactions human, kind, and connected.
No one’s asking for a Shakespearean monologue. A simple “thanks” will do just fine.
Cutting in Line Like It’s a Race
We get it—you’re in a hurry. So is everyone else. But skipping ahead in line doesn’t make you efficient; it just makes you look entitled.
Lines are one of the last remaining signs of societal order. Cut one, and you’re basically announcing, “I think I’m more important than you.”
There are unspoken rules in waiting, and line-cutting violates every single one of them.
Good manners mean respecting others’ time, not just your own schedule.
Playing Loud Music with No Headphones
It’s one thing to enjoy your favorite playlist. It’s another to make an entire subway car or sidewalk café your personal DJ set.
Blasting music in public might feel cool, but it comes across as inconsiderate at best, and downright obnoxious at worst.
Everyone has their own taste, and forcing yours on strangers isn’t a vibe—it’s an auditory assault.
Headphones exist for a reason. Use them and keep your music to yourself.
Ignoring Personal Space
Remember personal bubbles? Some Americans apparently missed the memo—or just don’t care.
Whether it’s standing too close in line or practically breathing down someone’s neck at the ATM, space matters.
Physical proximity can feel threatening, especially to older folks or people with sensory sensitivities.
Respect for space shows social awareness. Creepiness? Not so much.
Leaving Shopping Carts Wherever
Nothing screams “I don’t care about anyone else” like shoving a shopping cart into a parking spot and walking away.
It’s a simple task: push the cart to the designated corral. But time and again, lots get littered with abandoned buggies like a cart apocalypse.
This tiny act of laziness creates more work for others, and even risks car damage.
If you can push it full of groceries, you can walk it 20 more feet. It’s called being a grown-up.
Talking Down to Service Workers
Here’s a wild idea: treat people like people, especially when they’re helping you.
Some Americans still seem to think it’s okay to bark orders, snap fingers, or speak with dripping condescension toward waiters, cashiers, and call center reps.
That attitude isn’t confidence—it’s entitlement. And it makes everyone around uncomfortable.
Manners aren’t about status. They’re about character. Respect is always in style.
Turning Every Thought Into a Status Update
Posting every complaint, argument, or passive-aggressive jab for the internet to see isn’t brave—it’s bad manners gone digital.
Sure, social media gives everyone a platform. But some folks treat it like a diary, therapy session, and courtroom drama rolled into one.
There’s a fine line between sharing your life and turning your timeline into a cringe-fest.
Think before you post. Not everything needs to be public.
Blasting Car Horns at Every Red Light
Some Americans act like their car horn is a magic wand that makes traffic disappear.
But honking aggressively at every pause doesn’t make the light turn green faster—it just stresses everyone out.
Horns are for safety, not attitude. Using them as a way to express frustration only fuels road rage.
A little patience behind the wheel? Now that’s good manners.
Not Covering Your Mouth When You Cough or Sneeze
It’s one of the oldest manners in the book: cover your mouth. And yet, some people still unleash their germs like it’s 1995 and nobody owns hand sanitizer.
Especially in a post-pandemic world, hygiene is not optional. It’s the baseline of public courtesy.
No one wants to dodge invisible sneeze shrapnel in line at the DMV.
Use your elbow. Use a tissue. Just don’t use the air we all breathe.
Ignoring RSVP Requests
When someone takes the time to invite you, not responding is like leaving them on read in real life.
It’s not just inconsiderate—it makes planning nearly impossible. Will there be enough seats? Enough food? Enough room? Who knows, because half the guests didn’t bother to reply.
Even a polite “can’t make it” is better than radio silence.
Good manners mean respecting other people’s time, effort, and hospitality.
Interrupting Conversations
We’ve all been around that person—the one who barrels into conversations like a runaway shopping cart.
Interrupting isn’t just rude. It signals a lack of listening and an overabundance of ego.
Good conversation flows. It includes pauses, patience, and mutual respect. Cutting people off shuts all that down.
You’re not the only one with something to say. Wait your turn.
Being Loud Just to Be Heard
Volume doesn’t equal value. And yet, some Americans equate shouting with strength—or worse, authority.
Whether it’s at a family gathering, in a store, or at a restaurant, being the loudest person in the room rarely wins admiration.
Instead, it reads as brash, self-centered, and often downright exhausting.
Speak clearly, not obnoxiously. Your voice will go further that way.
Letting Doors Slam Behind You
It’s such a small gesture—holding the door for the person behind you—but when it doesn’t happen, you feel it.
Getting hit with a heavy door or scrambling to catch it is a jarring experience that instantly screams, “I’m on my own out here.”
Some Americans walk through doors like they’re the only ones in existence, never checking if someone is just a step or two behind.
Common courtesy means being aware of the people around you, not just getting through your day as fast as possible.
Dominating Group Conversations
Ever been in a group where one person treats it like their one-man show? They talk over others, steer every topic back to themselves, and act like the only voice worth hearing.
It’s exhausting. And yes—it’s bad manners.
Being a good conversationalist isn’t about performing. It’s about balancing give-and-take, making space for others, and actually listening.
If you always leave a group hangout hoarse from talking, it might be time to reevaluate your approach.
Leaving Your Car Like It’s the Main Attraction
Taking up two spots, blocking crosswalks, or creeping into handicap zones without a permit—some Americans park like they’re playing a personal game of “How Inconvenient Can I Be?”
Even small offenses, like being just crooked enough to force someone else to squeeze in, show a lack of awareness (and sometimes, arrogance).
Parking correctly isn’t just about rules—it’s about respect for your fellow drivers.
Your car isn’t royalty. Park it like a decent human being.
Treating Restaurant Tables Like Trash Bins
Some Americans finish a meal and leave the table looking like a food fight just happened. Crumpled napkins, half-eaten fries, spilled drinks—sometimes even personal items like dirty tissues left behind.
It’s not just gross—it’s disrespectful to the staff who have to clean it up.
Even in casual dining spots, tidying up after yourself is a basic courtesy. No one expects fine-dining formality, but they also don’t expect a disaster zone.
Leaving a table reasonably neat shows gratitude and awareness. It says, “I appreciate your work,” without needing to say a word.
The Generation You Were Made For
Were you brought up with a “yes ma’am,” “no sir” kind of upbringing, or do your manners fall more into the “oops, forgot again” category?
Take our Decade DNA Quiz to find out which classic American generation your personality most aligns with.
Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

24 “Compliments” That Are Actually Condescending

Some Americans have mastered the art of a double-edged nice comment. Others, more well-intentioned, don’t mean to say something judgmental but end up there just the same.
“Bless Her Heart.” 24 Compliments That Are Actually Condescending
40 Most Confusing Acronyms

With many people wanting to send and receive information quickly, new acronyms seem to appear by the minute. The problem? Many Americans are left in the dust about what they mean.