Let’s face it: Boomers have always been “those people”- the ones we shake our heads at and say, “What are they even talking about?” While Millennials and Boomers love to clash, they’ve also got some timeless wisdom and habits worth stealing.
From handwritten notes to rock-solid relationships, their “old-school” ways often remind us that not everything needs an app or shortcut. Whether we like it or not, there are those moments when you cannot help but say, “Okay, that’s actually kind of brilliant.”
The Art of a Good Work Ethic
Sure, Millennials hustle, but when it comes to hard work, Boomers were the OGs. They put in their hours, made careers from scratch, and were notorious for their commitment to their jobs. You might roll your eyes at their 9-5 mentality, but – we secretly envy them for how no-nonsense they are about hard work. No wonder they’ve got a pension!
Knowing Their Neighbours
Boomers weren’t just friendly with their neighbors; they ACTUALLY knew them. From borrowing sugar to block parties, they built real-life communities. Millennials, often stuck to screens, secretly yearn for a little of that wholesome neighborhood vibe.
Actually Reading the News (Not Just Twitter)
Sure, Boomers might have had flaws, but they read the news: papers, magazines, and so on. Millennials read social media sound bites and scroll through headlines. We kind of secretly admire how Boomers formed opinions based on actual journalism, not viral tweets. We can barely make it through a full article without distractions!
Practice Using Real Tools
Boomers didn’t call handymen for everything; they had toolkits and knew how to use them. Whereas Millennials Google “how to fix a leaky faucet,” Boomers simply roll up their sleeves and do it themselves. It’s a self-sufficiency that is rather enviable.
Writing in Cursive
Some boomers can make penmanship look like an art form, and it’s something Millennials secretly envy. Sure, we’ve got keyboards and emojis, but there’s something undeniably elegant about a handwritten thank-you note in flawless cursive. At the same time, most of us struggle to decipher our chicken scratch.
They Knew How to Read an Actual Map
Before GPS told them when to “recalculate,” Boomers were out there navigating with folded maps and sheer determination. While Millennials panic at the thought of no Wi-Fi, Boomers can actually get places without Google’s help. It’s like a lost superpower we all wish we had.
Dressing Properly for Any Occasion
Boomers never showed up underdressed or in athleisure – gasp! They knew how to pull together a polished outfit for every situation, from job interviews to dinner dates. Millennials are all casual comfort and secretly admire the flair for classy attire.
Sunday Family Dinners
The Boomers always kept their family as a top priority, and it was not uncommon to find them sitting around the dinner table every Sunday. Millennials may cringe at the thought of brunch gatherings, but deep down, they respect the tradition and connection this habit fostered.
They Had Real Friendships (No Filters Required)
Boomers had friends they actually spent time with. No texting, no endless DMs; it was face-to-face conversation, awkward silences, and hanging out. Millennials love their digital friendships, but there is something so undoubtedly nostalgic about real, genuine connections they had as kids.
Hosting Dinner Parties
Boomers knew how to throw a dinner party filled with table settings, stimulating conversation, and not one person glued to their phone. Millennials secretly harbor a love for that old-school hospitable idea, even while we’re more likely to order a pizza and spend our time binge-watching Netflix.
Knowing How to Save Money
Let’s be real – Boomers knew how to save. While Millennials are trying to figure out student loans and living paycheck-to-paycheck, Boomers seem to have it together when it comes to their finances. They lived within their means, built up savings, and knew how to work the 1% interest rate. Don’t act like you don’t secretly wish you could live like that.
Always Having a Plan
While Millennials try to figure out what “adulting” even means, Boomers came pre-packaged with a plan: work hard, buy a house, retire comfortably. Pretty simple, huh? They didn’t have time to be “lost” or “unsure” because they were always on track.
Respect of Authorities
As much as we roll our eyes when Boomers talk about “respecting authority,” deep down, there’s a part of us that wonders if they might be onto something. In a world where everyone challenges everything, a little respect for the system, leaders, and rules isn’t such a bad thing, right? It’s something we wish we could adopt… even if we’d never admit it out loud.
Cooking from Scratch
Boomers weren’t raised on meal kits or Uber Eats; they knew how to make a feast out of simple pantry staples. As much as Millennials rave about avocado toast, deep down, we envy the fact that our Boomers can make a full meal without touching a single app.
The Power of a Handwritten Note
Of course, “LOL” is only a couple of keystrokes, but the Boomers mastered the art of the handwritten letter. They would send kind messages for birthdays, anniversaries, or no reason at all and still make the message personal. These days, when we can barely write a thank-you text, the idea of sitting down and writing a heartfelt note? Admired.
A Deep Appreciation for Music
It’s no secret that Boomers knew how to appreciate great music. They had their vinyl collections, knew all the classic albums, and could wax poetic about music legends. Meanwhile, Millennials are busy trying to figure out Spotify algorithms.
Saying No Without Feeling Guilty
Boomers were masters of boundaries – especially in the art of saying no. They knew how to protect their time, prioritize their energy, and not feel guilty about it. Millennials often feel like they have to be “always available.” Yeah, we get it. Boundaries are hard, but we kind of secretly admire how Boomers had it down pat.
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