They won’t say it out loud — but deep down, Boomers wish they could do it like Millennials. While they publicly roll their eyes at avo toast and “TikTok culture,” there are many modern perks Millennials enjoy that Boomers secretly crave.
From flexible lifestyles to unapologetic self-expression, here are 18 things Boomers low-key envy but would never dare to admit. (Well, not until wine number three kicks in.)
The Power of Saying “No” Without Guilt
It was the millennials that invented having boundaries. “No, I’m not going to the family dinner just because it is Sunday” is now a whole sentence. Boomers? They were taught that they were supposed to say “yes” to everything, even if it killed their soul. They secretly wish they’d learned how to protect their peace like this generation.
Working From Literally Anywhere
Laptop on the beach. Coffee shop offices. Bed meetings. Boomers spent decades chained to their desks, begging for vacation days. Meanwhile, Millennials are sending emails from Bali and clocking out at 4 PM without any guilt. You really think Boomers are not secretly fantasizing about working in joggers instead of their stiff suits?
No More Suffering in Silence
Millennials talk. They talk freely about breakups, toxic families, anxiety spirals — all of it. There is no more hiding behind fake smiles. Boomers bottled it up, painted a smile, and “just got on with it.” Now? Millennials speak out against the BS and label it. Boomers definitely envy that freedom to just… feel.
Mental Health is Actually a Priority
Boomers were taught to “tough it out.” Therapy was taboo. Crying was a sign of weakness. Now Millennials are out here journaling, meditating, EMDR-ing, and dropping phrases like “emotional regulation” without even flinching. Boomers wish they’d learned that burnout is a warning sign, not a badge of honor.
Traveling Without a Retirement Fund
Boomers waited decades before they could enjoy the world in retirement. Millennials book budget flights, stay in hostels, and travel now. It is “irresponsible” to some boomers — but imagine how many wish they had not waited until their 60s to chase sunsets.
Living With Less — On Purpose
Minimalism is not poverty — it is a choice. Millennials are shedding clutter, downsizing, and rejecting the culture of more-is-better. Boomers? They stockpiled Beanie Babies and fine china like trophies. But in private? They’re discovering that all that “stuff” never made them any happier — it just occupied space.
The Unapologetic Self-Expression
Body piercing, tattoos, blue hair, outfits that scream “This is me.” Millennials do not need permission to be themselves. Boomers played by the book, fearing disapproval from neighbors, bosses, and the church committee. Secretly, they wish they’d dyed their hair purple at least once.
Choosing Passion Over Paychecks
Millennials would leave a stable career in order to start that candle business or run a travel blog, and they will own it. Boomers worked jobs they hated to make ends meet, or to “look responsible.” But let’s be honest — they wish they’d taken that risk too. Regret always hits harder than a recession.
Living Their Truth — Loudly
Millennials embrace their gender, their sexuality, and their faith, without apology. Boomers, having grown up in a “don’t ask, don’t tell” generation, would deem it “too much,” but secretly, many wish they could have lived as freely and authentically.
The Power of “Soft Quitting”
Millennials came up with quiet quitting, doing the work you are paid for, nothing more. Boomers worked their tails off for promotions that never came, but wouldn’t they have liked drinking their coffee at their desks without the “go above and beyond” expectation?
Breaking Generational Curses
Millennials cut out the toxic family members, breaking the cycles, and choosing healing over silence. Boomers did not always have that choice — they were made to “keep the peace.” Secretly, they admire the bravery in choosing peace over people.
Dating Apps (Even If They Pretend to Hate Them)
Boomers mock Tinder but secretly wish they’d felt that swipe-right rush during their youth. Imagine meeting someone without waiting for a chance run-in at a bar or praying they sit next to you in church. Millennials can date across cities — even continents — without ever having to leave the couch.
The Freedom to Redefine ‘Success’
For Millennials, success does not mean a house in the suburbs and a 9–5 till death. For them, it could mean freelance gigs, houseplants, and mental peace. Boomers bought into a rigid blueprint: career, marriage, mortgage, repeat. But now? They are watching Millennials live life on their own terms and low-key wishing they had too.
Not Tying Their Identity to Marriage
Millennials are single and successful, and their identity is not determined by their marital status. Boomers were expected to be married young, stay married, and lose themselves in the process. Millennials: “If I am not obsessed with you and with myself, what is the point?” Boomers never had that luxury.
Having “Weird” Jobs That Pay
Social media managers, meme creators, dog influencers — sounds silly, but these jobs pay real money. Boomers worked “respectable” jobs, but try imagining their envy when they realize that you can earn six figures… making TikToks.
Hustling — But on Their Own Terms
Millennials will build their own Etsy empire, run a side hustle, resell their vintage items on Depop, and grow a YouTube channel — all while sipping cold brew. Boomers worked themselves raw for one job and one boss. But Millennials? They’ve turned the hustle into their own. And trust — Boomers wish they had that freedom.
Cancel Culture (Yup, Even If They Hate It)
Yes, Boomers complain about “cancel culture,” but part of them envies how Millennials won’t just go along with bad behavior. Celebrities, coworkers, nobody is above reproach for them. Boomers were taught to stay silent, not stir the pot. But Millennials? They’ll flip the damn pot over — and sometimes that is just what is required.
They Don’t Need Approval — Not Even From Their Parents
Millennials do not live for approval. Not from bosses. Not from their own families. They’ll skip out on toxic relatives, steer clear of family drama, and choose peace over tradition. Boomers, schooled in people-pleasing and appeasing, wish they, too, possessed that inner “nope” energy.
Things Boomers Did in the ’80s That Seem Ridiculous Today
While nostalgia makes everything seem charming in hindsight, some of the things Boomers did in the ’80s would raise more than a few eyebrows today. Here are some of the most head-scratching habits and trends that now seem downright ridiculous.
Things Boomers Did in the ’80s That Seem Ridiculous Today
16 Things Polite People Never Do in Public
Because let’s be real: one loud phone call or an oblivious queue jump is all it takes to go from “polite” to “public nuisance.” So, if you don’t want to be a public enemy, here are 16 things that polite people never — and I mean never — do in public.
16 Things Polite People Never Do in Public