This topic may sound harsh, but if you’re reading this, I assume you’re not offended.
Believe me, you’ll be grateful you read this article by the time you reach the conclusion, because even as the writer, I’ve picked up my own lessons.
Just stay open-minded, okay?
So, common sense is supposed to be… well, common.
After all, it’s called “common” for a reason.
But it’s one of the rarest things these days.
You’d think by now people would know better, but every day you scroll through social media or listen to someone’s story, and you just shake your head like, “Wow. So you really thought that was smart?”
Away from other people, sometimes, it’s not just other people, it’s us.
We all have moments when we look back and think, “Why in the world did I do that?”
So, let’s stop pretending.
If you’re guilty of these things, you’re not operating with wisdom.
If You Do These 10 Things, You Don’t Have Common Sense
1. You Lend Money You Can’t Afford to Lose
Money and relationships are a dangerous mix; I learned it the hardest way.
Lending out cash is one of those things you should only do with eyes wide open, not heart wide open.
Once you give someone money, especially family or friends, there’s a 90% chance you’ll never see it again.
So why lend what you can’t afford to lose?
If your rent isn’t paid, if your kids’ school fees aren’t settled, if you’re now borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, you have nothing in savings and investments, but you still gave someone money because they promised to return it, that’s not generosity.
It’s foolishness.
Help if you can, but don’t put yourself in a worse situation than the person you’re helping.
That’s common sense.
If they disappear, you’re broke, or they don’t pay back, you’ll be the one calling and begging for money back.
You’d lose your peace, your cash, and even the relationship.
Because trust is broken, and no relationship can work without trust.
Only lend what you’re comfortable calling a gift.
If you can’t survive without it, don’t give it.
Period.
2. You Text Your Ex at Midnight
Nothing, absolutely nothing good, comes from late-night texts to your ex.
Midnight is not the time for rational thinking.
It’s the time when loneliness hits.
You’re lying in bed, scrolling through old photos, or Google Photos brings up those memories, and suddenly you think, “Let me just check on him. We’re adults. What could go wrong?”
Oh, sis, everything.
Everything can go wrong.
That text opens doors you worked hard to close and reopens wounds you told yourself you’d healed.
You know what you’ll feel the next morning?
Regret. Big, fat regret.
Bock temptation before temptation blocks your peace.
If you wouldn’t call them in the morning when you’re fully awake and clear-headed, then you definitely shouldn’t be calling them when the streetlights are on.
If your ex were really that amazing, they’d still be your present.
Don’t text yourself back into misery.
3. You Overshare Online
Ah, this one!
I’m currently taking a break from the platform I used to be most active on (Facebook), and I’m loving it.
I only log in to check posts on the most important group I belong to and read posts my friends share with me.
The break trains me that I don’t have to share everything online.
I literally train myself not to overshare, because you can cross the line sometimes, no matter how private you are, if you’re always online.
The internet is where people think strangers care about their breakfast, their breakup, their fights, and even their half-written thoughts.
Posting your life like it’s a TV series is not being authentic.
It’s giving people free entertainment at your expense.
There’s a thin line between transparency and oversharing, and common sense is that line.
You don’t need to announce every fight with your spouse, every shade at your in-laws, every emotional breakdown, and even every win and achievement.
Because the internet doesn’t forget, and screenshots live forever.
Half the people you’re sharing with are not rooting for you.
They’re clapping at your downfall.
You think they’re supporters, but many are just spectators waiting for the next episode of your drama.
Not everyone deserves access to your life.
Some things are best kept in private, so control the narrative.
4. You Quit Your Job Without a Plan
As someone who has quit a job she didn’t enjoy, I understand the temptation and pressure of quitting a job to do something else you think will give you joy.
Following your dreams is inspiring, but quitting without savings, a plan, and a strategy is reckless.
Unless you have someone financing your bills, you need more than just excitement and faith.
Common sense is securing your landing before you jump.
That means saving up, having a side hustle, getting another job, or at least knowing what you’ll do next.
Otherwise, stress will come knocking fast.
Rent won’t wait, and bills won’t pause.
Hunger won’t tell you to take your time.
I’m sure you’ve heard stories of people resigning dramatically, walking out of their boss’s office with Beyoncé-level confidence.
Then two months later, they’re borrowing money to buy groceries.
Dreams are important, but preparation is survival.
If you must leave, fine.
But don’t walk out of one storm only to run into another one called suffering.
5. You Drive Without Wearing a Seatbelt
In 2025, if you’re still hopping into a car and saying, “It’s just down the street, I don’t need a seatbelt,”
I have to tell you, common sense has left the chat.
I’m guilty of this, so you’re not alone. 😖😫
Cars have alarms and dings that beg us to buckle up, because seatbelts save lives.
Yet we think we are invincible because the journey is short.
Tell that to the accidents that happen two streets away from home.
Common sense doesn’t only protect you, it protects the people who love you.
If you’re gone because you refused a three-second strap-in, what happens to them?
Being careless is not being fearless.
It’s being senseless.
6. You Gossip About People to Everyone
I won’t lie, there are people I gossip with….my husband and my BFF.
Everyone has their go-to partner, but we all know that one person who always has the latest gossip about everyone.
They know who’s fighting, who’s cheating, who’s broke, who’s pretending.
If you gossip about everyone to me, I already know you gossip about me to everyone.
Protect trust like treasure.
Once people see you as the town crier, they’ll stop confiding in you.
You’ll become a source of amusement, not respect.
Also, gossip has a way of coming back.
And when it does, you’ll look both untrustworthy and unwise.
If you can’t keep your mouth shut, at least know when to.
Gossiping might feel juicy, but it costs you credibility.
7. You Keep Giving Second Chances to Someone Who Shows You They Don’t Care
There’s forgiveness, and then there’s foolishness.
If someone keeps lying, cheating, mistreating you, betraying you, and you keep giving them another chance, you’re unwise.
Believe actions, not apologies.
I’m not saying you should expect perfection from people, but someone who respects you doesn’t keep hurting you.
Someone who loves you doesn’t keep breaking you.
Every chance you give to someone who doesn’t value you is a chance they use to prove you wrong again.
Stop recycling pain and calling it love.
8. You Don’t Read Contracts Before Signing
I don’t expect to read terms and conditions on apps because, really, who does? 😖
Those things are painfully long, and I don’t know if they expect us actually to read them.
But then, skipping through a contract like it’s an Apple update agreement is one of the fastest ways to regret.
People sign leases, jobs, and deals without even skimming the fine print.
When the consequences show up, they start screaming, “It’s unfair!”
No, it’s not unfair.
It’s what you signed, and like my lawyer friend says, “There’s no ignorance in law.”
So, if it binds you, read it, even if it’s long and boring.
Even if the other person says, “Oh, don’t worry, it’s just standard.”
Lies. Read it.
The time you spend reading can save you years of stress.
And if you don’t understand it?
Ask questions.
Or better yet, get a lawyer.
I’m glad my bestie is a lawyer! 😂
9. You Ignore Red Flags
Love is powerful, but it’s not magic.
If someone is lazy, disrespectful, violent, or unfaithful, love won’t fix it.
Marriage won’t fix it.
In fact, babies won’t fix it.
Only change will fix it.
Many people ignore glaring red flags, convincing themselves that time and love will work their magic.
Meanwhile, those red flags are becoming red carpets rolled out for disaster.
If it’s not working now, it won’t magically work later.
Don’t gamble your future on potential.
10. You Spend More Than You Earn
“YOLO” is cute until your landlord comes knocking.
I know that sometimes your income is not enough to cover all your needs, and it feels like no matter how hard you try to stretch it, the money runs out before the month ends.
That’s a different story.
That’s life lifing.
What I’m talking about is when you deliberately live above your means because you’re trying to keep up appearances.
Buying the latest phone on credit when your rent is pending.
Ordering drinks for the whole table when your bank account is already in the red.
Buying clothes, shoes, wigs, hairs, bags when you have no savings or investments.
Flying business class for the ‘gram while begging your friends for loans behind the scenes.
That’s not enjoyment, it’s foolishness.
See, nobody cares as much as you think they do.
The people you’re trying to impress are too busy worrying about their own lives.
Meanwhile, you’re left with debts, unpaid bills, anxiety, and unnecessary stress.
Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Enjoyment is sweetest when it doesn’t leave you broke and anxious.
If your income can’t yet fund a champagne lifestyle, enjoy your soda season with dignity.
Nothing is more embarrassing than appearing wealthy online and having to beg offline.
Common sense is like deodorant; the people who need it the most never seem to use it.
If you see yourself in more than two of these, it’s time for a reset.
Wisdom isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making fewer foolish choices.
Life is already hard.
Don’t make it harder by refusing to apply common sense.
Shalom!