CuriositiesSEP 23, 2023

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal

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It seems like social norms change annually, nowadays. It can be exhausting and confusing trying to keep track of how we’re supposed to behave in various situations, but for young people who haven’t been around to see these societal shifts, what they’ve observed is completely normal. We all have cell phones, we all should have social media accounts, and we should all be available 24/7.

Older generations, however, have a harder time accepting some of the changes that have come along, and recently, Redditors have been sharing some of the things they wish would become normalized again. Below, you’ll find some of their most insightful responses, so enjoy reading through and be sure to upvote all of the thoughts you agree with.

#1

“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal

The art of conversation. Just because I disagree with you on something doesn’t mean I don’t respect you.

epdug, priscilladupreez

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336points

#2

Not being accessible all the time. Just because I have a cellphone doesnt mean I want to answer it at the supermarket, or while cooking dinner. Or while driving. Thats cool that my boss checks emails in his tesla driving 20 mins to work but I would rather not. I need a break

Dontgetmurdered_78, gilleslambert

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312points

#3

Classes in high school like wood shop, home economics, culinary, machine shop, etc and just trade school training in general for those who don’t want to go to college.

faithle97, baileyal3xander

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301points

We reached out to the Reddit user who posed the question, "What things are seen as weird by the younger generation that we need to normalize again?" and lucky for us, u/Kvassalskaren55 was happy to have a chat with Bored Panda.

As far as what inspired him to start this conversation, he shared that he was just bored on a Saturday and decided to post something on Reddit. "I thought of a question to post in r/askreddit, but I had no idea that it would get this popular," the OP shared.

#4

Can we re-normalize using headphones while listening to music or watching videos in public? Please? I should be able to study on campus without having to listen to someone else's s**t. I can't even go to the campus library without someone blasting their s**t.

NerdyNina221B, dollargill

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300points

#5

Being able to fix things yourself-sew hems and small holes, fix a toilet or garbage disposal, etc

silkentab

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280points

We were also curious what Kvassalskaren55 would answer to his own question. "I think we should normalize talking to each other more," he shared. "I think today’s generation is missing out on getting to know people face to face. You never know who is behind the screen, it could be anyone."

On the other hand, the OP is appreciative that homophobia has become much less socially acceptable. "Everyone should be able to love whoever they want without facing backlash," he told Bored Panda.

#6

Not having everything you do in public recorded.

Two random people arguing? Gotta record it.

Bad car wreck? Don't help. record.

Natural disaster? Don't run, stay and document it until someone has to rescue you, then get the rescue for maximum likes.

Deitaphobia, sebenrique12

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271points

#7

Affordable housing.

Aberrant17, paralitik

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259points

As far as his thoughts on the responses to his post, Kvassalskaren55 says he agreed with many of them. "There were a few that surprised me," he noted. "Those were the ones where people said that they were tired of people thinking that they are available at all times. That they need a break."

#8

Having the decency and manners to verbally cancel plans or say you’ll be late in a timely fashion that’s respectful of the other person’s time and effort, instead of framing ghosting people as some kind cute personality quirk.

glurbleblurble, korneevamaha

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243points

#9

Being quiet at the movies.

moonbeamcrazyeyes, jakehills

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231points

#10

Actually owning the things you buy. Having the right to tinker with your devices.

EntityDistance

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228points

#11

Not having social media. Apparently now not being on whatever sites is a red flag.

prawie_seler, ademay

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209points

#12

Repairing and looking after clothes and shoes!

Green-Escape2, photogasan

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191points

#13

Being able to handle the slightest bit of social interaction. I’ve met some Gen Z who damn near have panic attacks when making a call for delivery, let alone speaking to people they don’t know in public. Some seem to think every interaction with a stranger is potentially life threatening. The anxiety levels in that generation are off the charts.

Eodbatman, lazizli

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190points

#14

Knowing how to cook, even if that knowledge exists so you don't starve.

BrunoDeeSeL, conscious_design

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180points

#15

I feel like u can't just talk to random people anymore. No one seems approachable. My mum talks to anyone wether she knows them or not. I notice alotnof the older generations are much more open to random chit chat

cgarnett1988, shanerounce

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178points

#16

The hustle culture needs to go. We need to normalize working while keeling in touch with family and friends, not working yourself to death. Also, how about lowering house price, eh? It’s a dwelling, not a money making machine.

johnjonjoe, priscilladupreez

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168points