16 Things Older Generations Did That Kids Today Don’t Understand
If you’ve spent time around younger family members, you’ve likely noticed that some things you find perfectly normal seem downright bizarre to them. Society has undergone dramatic changes in the past few decades, making it difficult for those born in the last twenty years to relate to the habits of older generations. While the rise of social media plays a big role, it’s not the only factor. Curious about bridging the generational divide? Start by understanding what younger people find puzzling about your generation. Here are a few key examples.
Saving Things “Just In Case”
To the young, our tendency to save every rubber band, twist tie, and margarine container may seem like hoarding. But we remember times when resources were scarce, and reusing items was a practical necessity. This isn’t just about being frugal; it’s a way of life that ensures we’re always prepared no matter what. On the other hand, the new generations seem to have embraced minimalism.
Writing Everything Down
While younger generations rely on digital notes and apps, we prefer good old-fashioned pen and paper. Writing things down helps us remember important details and commitments. It’s reassuring to see our plans and reminders in our own handwriting, tangible and permanent, unlike the nature of digital data. This may also be why youths’ handwriting is so awful these days!
Watching The News
Our daily routine often includes watching the news. Most young people find the news depressing, but staying informed about the world helps us feel connected and engaged. We’ve lived through significant historical events, and keeping up with current affairs is our way of staying vigilant and aware of the changes around us. This doesn’t mean youths don’t do this, but they often access information from their phones.
Early To Bed, Early To Rise
Many young people love staying up late and sleeping in, but we’ve come to appreciate the benefits of an early bedtime and morning routine. Getting up early allows us to enjoy the quiet, peaceful hours of the morning, and we prefer a good night’s sleep because we know that our bodies and minds function best with a consistent sleep schedule. Plus, there is nothing better than waking up before everyone else and enjoying the early quietness.
Preferring Phone Calls Over Text Messages
Texting is quick and convenient, but we often prefer the personal touch of a phone call. Hearing a loved one’s voice adds warmth and nuance that text messages can’t convey. It’s a reminder of a time when communication was more direct and heartfelt and a way to maintain deep, meaningful connections. Plus, texting can take ages! The same things can be communicated in a quick phone call much more effectively.
Keeping A Stash Of Emergency Cash
Younger folks might rely solely on their debit and credit cards, but we understand the importance of having cash on hand. It’s a habit born from experience because we know that technology can always fail and is therefore highly unreliable. Having a little bit of cash set aside for an emergency gives us a safety net for if/when the unexpected happens.
Savoring Quiet Moments
Young people often crave constant stimulation and excitement, but we’ve learned to cherish the quiet moments wherever we can find them. Whether it’s sitting on the porch with a cup of tea, reading a good book, or simply enjoying the stillness, these moments of peace are rejuvenating and help us reflect on the beauty of life. On the other hand, young generations seem unable to deal with boredom these days.
Sticking To Tried And True Recipes
Culinary trends come and go, so we often stick to the recipes we’ve known and loved for years. These dishes are more than just food—they connect to our past, families, and traditions. They bring comfort and joy, reminding us of cherished memories and the people we’ve shared them with. Plus, they’ve never failed us, so we keep preparing them for our relatives and friends!
Comfort Over Fashion
Young people might prioritize fashion, but we value comfort above all. We’ve spent years discovering what styles and fabrics work best for us, and we’re not afraid to prioritize our comfort and well-being. Comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing style. It’s about finding a balance that allows us to feel good in our own skin. On top of this, choosing comfortable, durable clothes is better for the environment than the fast fashion new generations seem to prefer.
Keeping Physical Photo Albums
In the age of digital photos, our love for physical photo albums might seem quaint. But there’s something incredibly special about flipping through the pages of an album, seeing our loved ones’ faces, and reliving those moments. Physical albums are tangible treasures that digital images can’t quite replace. Plus, who watches old photos from their laptop or phones? Nobody!
Using An Actual Map
Younger generations might rely on GPS and digital maps, but we still have a soft spot for physical maps. They offer a broader perspective and allow us to see the bigger picture, planning routes and understanding geography in a way that small screens can’t. Plus, there’s a certain nostalgia and reliability to a good old map taking us back to a quiet time when the internet wasn’t there yet.
Hand-Written Letters
In today’s age of instant communication, handwritten letters have become a rare, lost art. But we’ve known and experienced the joy of receiving and writing letters by hand. It’s a thoughtful, personal gesture showing care and effort, creating a lasting, tangible connection that texts and emails simply can’t replicate. If you haven’t written a letter in ages, take this as a sign to write one right now and send it to your best friend.
Postcards
Unfortunately, this beautiful habit is now becoming extinct. Who needs to send a letter when you can take thousands of pictures of your vacation and send them to your relatives with just a click? The truth is that postcards force you to spend a few minutes reflecting on your holiday and writing something insightful for your family and friends, adding a personal touch we are no longer used to.
Not Displaying Emotions
On the negative side, older generations tend to be worse at handling emotions. These people often grew up with the wrong idea that ‘Men don’t cry’ and that ‘Showing emotions is a weakness.’ Luckily, young individuals have learned that there is nothing wrong with crying in public, telling your partner when you’re feeling jealous, and simply accepting the way you feel without judgment.
Work Ethic
Our generation used to have an incredibly strong work ethic! We grew up knowing that to succeed and get a promotion, we had to be the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. However, working nine-to-five for the same company throughout your career is no longer a popular choice. People often work for several companies throughout their lives or launch their businesses. Plus, youths are no longer willing to sacrifice their precious time to work extra hours for a company and prefer to enjoy their lives.
No Social Media
Most of the time, youths don’t understand the refusal of older generations to join social media platforms. Why? because they have never lived without them. Young people have no idea how liberating it can be to live without thousands of notifications constantly interrupting every activity. Unfortunately, despite the many studies showing the negative effects of these platforms on youths, most young people still spend hours on them daily.
