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

Just working out in a gym without the need to record yourself

**Getting to know your neighbours and connecting with the local community.**

How many of us actually know or have talked to the people next door?? It used to be so common to introduce yourself at least, nowadays it’s just weird and considered off-putting, making it much harder to build a strong sense of community.

This generation tends to be very isolated generally, and considering how actively hostile modern urban design is, it tends to discourage people from going outside and meeting people. This is also coupled with the rise of social media and a general sense of paranoia about feeling constantly watched, since everyone basically has a miniature recording device in their pocket. It decentivizes people from striking up more friendly conversations, due to fear of being recorded being cringe or whatever and going viral. Honestly the pandemic has f****d social skills beyond belief, but let’s get real here, the loneliness epidemic predates Covid by a long shot, quarantine just put it into hyperdrive.

I think knowing your neighbours should make a comeback. Along with neighbourhood block parties and potlucks. And for gods sake, can we please make less suburbs and anti-homelessness benches, and more free/affordable public infrastructure while we’re at it??? It’s been said already, but look at the outside we built, no wonder kids don’t want to go outside anymore.

Taking your clothes to a tailor instead of getting new clothes

That individuals matter, not what groups people can be pegged as belonging to.

Vulnerability. Sincerity. These things seem to get lumped in with "cringe" when they shouldn't be.

Texting back too quickly is apparently a thing to younger folk? Whereas I see it as the ultimate sign of respect and interest when you're having an engaging conversation. There's so much second guessing about presentation and interest levels that many forget that it's cool, fine, and normal to just be honest with feelings and pursue them as long as they're reciprocal.

Telephone skills, not fearing making phone calls

Go to the park and join a bunch of strangers in playing a game whether it be touch football, throwing the Frisbee, even a game of TAG.

Internet privacy

Not bringing your phone into the sauna/steam room.