1. Calling People Late at Night
It wasn’t uncommon to pick up the phone at any hour just to chat, and no one thought twice about it. Now, with texting and silent modes, a late-night call feels like a major intrusion unless it’s an emergency.
Baby boomers grew up in an era with its own unique set of customs and social norms—many of which feel downright shocking by today’s standards. What was once considered polite or standard behavior can now come across as intrusive, dismissive, or even offensive in our more sensitive, privacy-conscious society. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 15 customs from the baby boomer era that would raise eyebrows or even spark outrage if practiced today.
2. Dropping By Unannounced
Back in the day, showing up at a friend’s or neighbor’s house without a heads-up was perfectly normal—and even welcome. People kept coffee on hand and the living room tidy, just in case. Today, a surprise knock on the door is more likely to cause panic than excitement, thanks to changing attitudes about privacy and personal time.
3. Commenting on Someone’s Weight
Telling someone they “look healthy” or “lost too much weight” was often meant as a compliment. Nowadays, such comments are considered rude or body-shaming, as society has grown more aware of the sensitivity surrounding personal appearance.
4. Smoking in Someone’s Home
It used to be perfectly acceptable to light up in someone’s living room or at the dinner table, even if they weren’t a smoker. These days, not only is smoking indoors frowned upon, but it’s also considered rude to impose smoke on non-smokers at all.
5. Sending Kids to Deliver Messages
Need to tell your neighbor something? Baby boomers often sent their kids to knock on doors and relay the message. Today, that would be seen as unsafe and possibly inconsiderate, with texting or emailing being the preferred methods of communication.
6. Haggling Over Everything
Negotiating prices was common, even outside of flea markets or car dealerships. Boomers saw it as savvy, but today, it might come off as disrespectful in situations where fixed prices are expected.
7. Not RSVP-ing to Events
Back then, many gatherings were informal, and people would just show up—or not. While it wasn’t seen as rude then, today’s hosts often spend weeks planning events and expect timely responses.
8. Telling Pregnant Women How to Parent
Boomers grew up in a time when unsolicited parenting advice was the norm. Telling expectant mothers what to eat, how to prepare for labor, or what names to avoid was common. Now, this kind of advice is often considered intrusive and unwelcome.
9. Making Fun of Someone’s Name
Laughing at or commenting on unusual names was a harmless joke back then. Today, mocking someone’s name is seen as disrespectful, especially given our growing awareness of cultural diversity and individuality.
10. Asking Personal Questions Right Away
“What do you do?” “Are you married?” “Why don’t you have kids?” These questions were standard icebreakers in the past. Now, they’re seen as invasive or inappropriate, especially when asked during first encounters.
11. Patting People on the Head
Patting kids—or even adults—on the head was often meant as a friendly gesture. Today, it’s viewed as patronizing or condescending, especially when directed at adults.
12. Openly Disciplining Other People’s Kids
If a kid was acting out in public, it wasn’t unusual for other adults to step in and scold them. Today, disciplining someone else’s child is almost always considered overstepping.
13. Yelling at Waitstaff
Boomers didn’t hesitate to call out waitstaff for mistakes or slow service, and it wasn’t considered rude to demand better. Today, we’re more likely to see this behavior as entitled or disrespectful to service workers.
14. Pinching Cheeks as a Greeting
For baby boomers, pinching a child’s or young adult’s cheeks was an affectionate way to say hello. These days, it’s more likely to be viewed as an invasion of personal space—and possibly a little creepy.
15. Leaving Kids in the Car Alone
Back then, it was common for parents to leave their kids in the car while running errands. With modern concerns about safety and child protection laws, this is not only frowned upon but also illegal in many places.
It’s fascinating to see how much society has changed in just a few decades. Customs that once strengthened community bonds and created a sense of normalcy can now seem outdated or even offensive. While some of these changes reflect greater cultural awareness, others show just how much our priorities have shifted in terms of personal boundaries and respect.
