Though people have plenty of things in common, you definitely won’t see eye-to-eye with everyone. It’s inevitable to a certain extent, really. Not only are there different backgrounds and personal goals to consider, but you also have to look at the cultural and educational context they grew up with. Especially if you’re comparing members of different generations. And you’re sure to know that if you and your parents ever disagreed over anything.
Inspired by redditor u/Bigbumoffhappy, the r/AskReddit online community opened up about the attitudes their parents still consider to be ‘normal’ but they completely disagree with. We’ve collected some of their insights about outdated parental norms and beliefs. Keep scrolling to read all about the myths that some folks still refuse to take with a grain of salt.
Inspired by redditor u/Bigbumoffhappy, the r/AskReddit online community opened up about the attitudes their parents still consider to be ‘normal’ but they completely disagree with. We’ve collected some of their insights about outdated parental norms and beliefs. Keep scrolling to read all about the myths that some folks still refuse to take with a grain of salt.
#21
Not talking about any negative emotions. They could handle me being happy but anytime I was sad, upset, depressed? Nope, they didn’t want to see it/deal with it. My mom would even say, “What the hell do you have to be so upset about?”
Also, not showing affection or saying I love you. Years ago, my brother was admitted to the hospital. We didn’t know what was wrong with him and it was scary. I had been crying and my dad was very upset, too. As we were walking out of the hospital together, I went to reach for his hand. I thought it would be comforting, a sign that I would be there for him. He ripped his hand away from mine so fast. I was stunned and never tried to do that ever again.
Also, not showing affection or saying I love you. Years ago, my brother was admitted to the hospital. We didn’t know what was wrong with him and it was scary. I had been crying and my dad was very upset, too. As we were walking out of the hospital together, I went to reach for his hand. I thought it would be comforting, a sign that I would be there for him. He ripped his hand away from mine so fast. I was stunned and never tried to do that ever again.
36points
#22
A college degree is everything. Sure, it's important. But degrees are generally extremely specific nowadays. Years ago I got a side job to pay off debts in the dining hall of a retirement home. When I told my parents this in passing conversation, my dad scoffed and said I should have applied to RUN the entire facility. Um, the current director has a MASTERS in management with an emphasis in geriatric care. My degree in X would never even get me an interview.
35points
#23
Stopping by someone’s house to visit, unannounced.
35points
#24
Being 4 hours early to the airport, i think everyone can relate here.
33points
#25
Company loyalty. My boomer dad can’t fathom a world where we better our livelihood by taking better paying jobs at a different company every few years. For his generation, staying at one company your entire career was a huge flex.
33points
#26
Drinking and Driving, my friends' parents would pick me up with a scotch on the rocks! Ashtrays full of smokes!
31points
#27
They don't accept a person getting married before their elder siblings. My dad said that he wouldn't look at my face ever again if I do that, and that I would only be a shame for them. Well, guess we'll have a problem there. Cause my elder brother is against marriage. Not that I care about my dad threatening to never show respect to me ever again, he never did, anyways :D.
30points
#28
Spanking.
I am actually estranged from my parents and relatives over this issue as my mother wanted me to spank my son with a paddle when his ADHD was diagnosed and we did not spank him at all. I was spanked religiously as a child, to the point where a family therapist we went to when I was 13 or 14 told my mother to try spanking me MORE. (this would have been in 1988 or 89) but my mother does not consider it abuse, which I do, and as a result she thinks I believe I was abused and refuses to talk to me.
I am actually estranged from my parents and relatives over this issue as my mother wanted me to spank my son with a paddle when his ADHD was diagnosed and we did not spank him at all. I was spanked religiously as a child, to the point where a family therapist we went to when I was 13 or 14 told my mother to try spanking me MORE. (this would have been in 1988 or 89) but my mother does not consider it abuse, which I do, and as a result she thinks I believe I was abused and refuses to talk to me.
28points
#29
Keeping batteries in the fridge.
My parents still do this. Apparently this was a belief from a long time ago that batteries would last longer if they are kept in the fridge. But I can't get it out of their mind that the batteries shouldn't be in the fridge.
My parents still do this. Apparently this was a belief from a long time ago that batteries would last longer if they are kept in the fridge. But I can't get it out of their mind that the batteries shouldn't be in the fridge.
26points
#30
Waiting until marriage for sex.
20points
