Were You a Rebel or a Rule-Follower? These 12 Signs Will Tell You
Your childhood habits might reveal whether you were secretly rebellious or naturally by-the-book.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Some kids followed every rule like their lives depended on it. Others thrived on pushing buttons just to see what would happen. This list uncovers the small but telling signs that hint at which camp you truly belonged to. Whether you color-coded your crayons or ditched your bedtime, your past might hold the answer.
1. You Always Asked for Permission
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If you paused before grabbing a snack or touching anything new, you probably leaned toward being a rule follower. That inner voice telling you to double-check everything came naturally. You lived by the book and probably carried one in your backpack.
2. You Got a Kick Out of Breaking Minor Rules
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Turning your shirt inside out on uniform day or sneaking candy into class was your kind of thrill. You knew where the line was and loved getting close to it. That playful defiance said a lot.
3. You Stayed Inside the Lines
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Coloring books were your playground, and every page stayed neat. That habit of doing things just right showed up early. You probably even sharpened all your crayons before starting.
4. You Had a Bump or Bruise for Every Adventure
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If you were always limping into the nurse’s office, you likely made your own rules. You learned by trying and sometimes falling. Warnings felt more like suggestions to you.
5. You Liked a Good Line and Staying in It
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Like some kids, you waited for your turn. You found comfort in order and fairness, and following the flow just made sense to you.
6. You Rewrote the Rules of Every Game
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Tag had secret zones. Hide and seek had shifting time limits. You liked changing the game just enough to make it your own.
7. You Raised Your Hand Even When You Knew the Answer
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You waited patiently and wanted to be picked the right way. There was pride in earning your turn. Being right felt better when it followed the rules.
8. You Climbed Trees Right After Being Told Not To
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“Be careful” never meant “stop.” You liked figuring things out your own way. Climbing too high just meant a better view.
9. You Finished Your Homework Before Dinner
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You could not enjoy playtime knowing work was unfinished. Getting it done early meant relaxing guilt-free. That early sense of discipline says a lot about who you were.
10. You Drew on Walls Like It Was a Canvas
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Blank walls were full of potential. You were not trying to be bad—you were being expressive. Art could not be limited to paper.
11. You Reminded Others About the Rules
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You were the unofficial helper in every classroom. Someone had to keep things fair, and you liked it when people followed the plan.
12. You Wore What You Wanted Even If It Made No Sense
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A tutu on Tuesday? No problem. You dressed how you felt and did not care about matching. Fashion rules were just noise.