25 Things You Should Know But Nobody Ever Told You

Posted by , Updated on February 5, 2024

Most of the things you learned growing up probably came from textbooks. Right? Well…that’s actually wrong. It’s actually very wrong. Most of the words you know, most of your habits, and most of your experiences came from friends and family. Of course, you did learn a lot at school. But most of that knowledge came from interacting with friends. Although you surely learned some concrete facts and some useful ways of thinking, your knowledge is shaped to a vast degree by the people you interact with. This is not to say that you shouldn’t pay attention in school. Those hard facts will definitely help you with getting a job. But knowing which hand to hold the fork with, or knowing how to leave a good first impression, or using the bathroom, or dressing yourself, or tying your shoes, or any number of other things all come from your parents, caretakers, and other important people in your life. And oh yea…the internet! Which is where we come in. We are here to fill in any holes that you may have in your knowledge base. To do that we have compiled this list of 25 things you should know but nobody ever told you!

Featured Image: pixabay

25

Engage the parking brake first, then shift into park. If you do it the other way around and you are parked on an incline then the entire weight of the car is resting against the transmission.

Engage the parking brake first, then shift into park. If you do it the other way around and you are parked on an incline then the entire weight of the car is resting against the transmissionSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
24

If you go to Google's Inactive Account Manager then you can tell Google who should be able to access your account in case you don't log in for a long time. And yes, that is a nice way of phrasing "just in case you die"

If you go to Google's Inactive Account Manager then you can tell Google who should be able to access your account in case you don't log in for a long time. And yes, that is a nice way of phrasing "just in case you die"Source: google.com/settings/account/inactive, Image: google
23

Specifically for college students in the US: many unpaid internships are actually illegal according to a 2013 ruling by Judge William Pauley. (if your employer directly benefits from your work, then chances are it's illegal and you must be paid)

Specifically for college students in the US: many unpaid internships are actually illegal according to a 2013 ruling by Judge William Pauley. (if your employer directly benefits from your work, then chances are it's illegal and you must be paid)Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
22

If you are experiencing lower back pain from standing too long then squeezing your butt muscles can make it go away. This is because it rotates your pelvis out of the painful position (too much anterior tilt) and flattens your back

If you are experiencing lower back pain from standing too long then squeezing your butt muscles can make it go away. This is because it rotates your pelvis out of the painful position (too much anterior tilt) and flattens your backSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
21

There is a website you can go to that will check if your account (email, facebook, etc) has been compromised (in source).

There is a website you can go to that will check if your account (email, facebook, etc) has been compromised (in source)Source: haveibeenpwned.com, Image: wikipedia
20

This short phrase will automatically improve your posture - "shoulders down, shoulders back, chin level". Now you just have to remember to do that!

This short phrase will automatically improve your posture - "shoulders down, shoulders back, chin level". Now you just have to remember to do thatSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
19

Buying your own modem is usually cheaper than renting one from the ISP.

Buying your own modem is usually cheaper than renting one from the ISPSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
18

Never, ever, ever sweep or vacuum mouse poop. It will aerosolize (disperse in the air) the poop and that can give you hantavirus. According to the CDC you should spray it with bleach and water to keep it from becoming airborne and then sweep it up.

Never, ever, ever sweep or vacuum mouse poop. It will aerosolize (disperse in the air) the poop and that can give you hantavirus. According to the CDC you should spray it with bleach and water to keep it from becoming airborne and then sweep it up.Source: cdc.gov, Image: wikipedia
17

If you ever want to keep your dress shirt from billowing at your waist then you need something called the "military tuck". You'll have to google it but trust us, it's almost as good as having your shirt tailored.

If you ever want to keep you dress shirt from billowing at your waist then you need something called the "military tuck". You'll have to google it but trust us, it's almost as good as having your shirt tailored.Source: reddit, Image: pixabay
16

There is a website that will tell you how much money pharmaceutical companies spent on your doctor e.g. taking him/her out to lunch and trying to get them to recommend a certain medication (site is in source).

There is a website that will tell you how much money pharmaceutical companies spent on your doctor e.g. taking him/her out to lunch and trying to get them to recommend a certain medication (site is in source)Source: openpaymentsdata.cms.gov, Image: wikipedia
15

This bit of knowledge might save you some embarrassment next time you try to enter a building (in the US). According to law all entrances/exits on public buildings must open outwards (to facilitate evacuation)

This bit of knowledge might save you some embarrassment next time you try to enter a building (in the US). According to law all entrances/exits on public buildings must open outwards (to facilitate evacuation)Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
14

Often times your boss won't want you to discuss pay with other workers and may even threaten to fire you. Just so you know...this is illegal! Preventing you from talking about salaries makes it easy for employees to be taken advantage of.

Often times your boss won't want you to discuss pay with other workers and may even threaten to fire you. Just so you know...this is illegal! Preventing you from talking about salaries makes it easy for employees to be taken advantage of.Source: reddit, Image: pixabay
13

Post it notes are great for removing crumbs from between the keys on your keyboard. You're welcome.

Post it notes are great for removing crumbs from between the keys on your keyboard. You're welcome.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
12

If you find a driver's license, wallet, keys, or ID you can drop it in any mailbox and the postal service will return it to the owner with postage due (as long as there is an address). This typically works in the United States, European Union, and Australia.

If you find a driver's license, wallet, keys, or ID you can drop it in any mailbox and the postal service will return it to the owner with postage due (as long as there is an address). This typically works in the United States, European Union, and AustraliaSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
11

If someone calls you from the IRS saying you owe back taxes...it's a scam. The real IRS would contact you via snail mail.

If someone calls you from the IRS saying you owe back taxes...it's a scam. They will contact you via snail mail.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
10

If you change your mind and return a food item to the wrong spot while shopping, it will most likely be trashed. Even if it looks perfectly fine, employees are usually required to dispose of it to prevent potential contamination.

If you change your mind and return a food item to the wrong spot while shopping, it will most likely be trashed. Even if it looks perfectly fine, employees are usually required to dispose of it to prevent potential contaminationSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
9

If you make less than $50,000 you can have your taxes done for free at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) that is sponsored by the IRS. Don't get duped into paying exorbitant fees!

If you make less than $50,000 you can have your taxes done for free at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) that is sponsored by the IRS. Don't get duped into paying exorbitant fees!Source: reddit
8

Onions, garlic, and lilies can all kill cause kidney failure and death in your pet cat.

Onions, garlic, and lilies can all kill cause kidney failure and death in your pet catSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
7

If you are ever setting up a Windows computer, then ninite.com is great place to download critical software. It basically strips out all adware, malware, and other bloat.

If you are ever setting up a Windows computer, then ninite.com is great place to download critical software. It basically strips out all adware, malware, and other bloat.Source: pcworld.com, Image: wikipedia
6

You can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to stop receiving those pesky credit card offers in the mail

You can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to stop receiving those pesky credit card offers in the mailSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
5

For our older crowd, never use "recommended setup" when installing software from the internet. Always select "advanced setup (not recommended)". Why? Because that way you can choose to only install the software. The recommended setup is just a ruse to install toolbars and other annoying things on the side.

For our older crowd, never use "recommended setup" when installing software from the internet. Always select "advanced setup (not recommended)". Why? Because that way you can choose to only install the software. The recommended setup is just a ruse to install toolbars and other annoying things on the sideSource: reddit
4

In many states, if you call 911 for help after taking illegal drugs, you won't be arrested. Check your local laws, but in 21 states plus D.C. there are "medical amnesty" laws that are intended to encourage people to seek help without fear of repercussion.

In many states, if you call 911 for help after taking illegal drugs, you won't be arrested. Check your local laws, but in 21 states plus D.C. there are "medical amnesty" laws that are intended to encourage people to seek help without fear of repercussionSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
3

If you ever witness a robbery, look at the shoes. Robbers will usually change their shirts, pants, hats, etc. The shoes, however, tend to stay.

If you ever witness a robbery, look at the shoes. Robbers will usually change their shirts, pants, hats, etc. The shoes, however, tend to stay.Source: nytimes, Image: wikipedia
2

If you live in the US your only federal rights are the ones outlined in the Constitution or in a Supreme Court Case. Everything else is a privilege that can be taken away. But...remember that since the US is a union of 50 semi-sovereign states and not a unitary nation (like France for example), every single state has its own constitution. Therefore, make sure you know the constitution of the state in which you reside. It may highlight rights that go beyond those at the Federal level.

If you live in the US your only federal rights are the ones outlined in the Constitution or in a Supreme Court Case. Everything else is a privilege that can be taken away. But...remember that since the US is a union of 50 semi-sovereign states and not a unitary nation (like France for example), every single state has its own constitution. Therefore, make sure you know the constitution of the state in which you reside. It may highlight rights that go beyond those at the Federal level.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
1

As a result of the US being a federation of semi-autonomous states, there are some interesting side effects. Marijuana for example is illegal on a federal level. But some states have legalized it. This causes a bit of a gray area because federal agents can still arrest you. Long story short...be cautious and know the laws of the land.

As a result of the US being a federation of semi-autonomous states, there are some interesting side effects. Marijuana for example is illegal on a federal level. But some states have legalized it. This causes a bit of a gray area because federal agents can still arrest you. Long story short...be cautious and know the laws of the landSource: wikipedia, Image: pixabay


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