Boomers grew up in a world with strict etiquette rules, many of which have disappeared in the modern era. From the way people answered the phone to the expectations of how to behave in public, social norms were well-defined, and breaking them often led to a scolding. While some of these customs might seem unnecessary today, they once played a major role in everyday life. Let’s take a trip back to a time when manners were everything and explore 13 etiquette rules that would leave today’s kids scratching their heads.
1. Answering the Phone with a Formal Greeting
Back in the day, you couldn’t just pick up the phone and say, “Yeah?”—that would’ve been considered downright rude. Instead, people answered with a polite and clear greeting, often including their full name: “Smith residence, John speaking.” This made sure the caller knew they had the right number, especially since there was no caller ID to help. Even kids were expected to answer properly and take down messages accurately. Today, with texting as the primary mode of communication, formal phone greetings feel unnecessary. Most people barely answer unknown calls, and when they do, a simple “Hello?” is about as formal as it gets.
2. Writing Thank-You Notes for Every Gift
If you received a gift—whether it was for Christmas, a birthday, or even a graduation—you were expected to write a handwritten thank-you note. It wasn’t just a polite thing to do; it was non-negotiable. Parents kept a stack of thank-you cards on hand, and kids were often made to sit down and write them before they could even play with their gifts. Today’s kids have mostly skipped this tradition, replaced by a quick “Thanks!” over text or a social media post. While the intention is still there, boomers would say it lacks the same personal touch that a thoughtful, handwritten note carried.
3. Standing Up When an Adult Enters the Room
There was once a time when children and younger adults would automatically stand up when an elder or authority figure entered a room. It was a sign of respect, especially in formal settings like a dinner party or a meeting. Teachers, grandparents, and family friends were all given this courtesy. Nowadays, this rule has pretty much vanished. Kids might acknowledge someone’s arrival with a nod or a “Hey,” but standing up to show deference? That’s practically unheard of.
4. Always Holding the Door for Others
Holding the door open wasn’t just polite—it was expected. Whether it was for someone behind you, a woman carrying groceries, or just anyone entering a building, it was second nature to keep the door open until the next person had taken over. This wasn’t just a “gentlemanly” thing to do either; everyone did it, regardless of gender. Today, automatic doors and a general shift away from old-fashioned chivalry have made this less of a norm. Some kids might still do it, but it’s not the universal rule it once was.
5. Dressing Up for Airplane Travel
Flying on an airplane used to be an event—something people dressed up for, almost like going to church. Men wore suits, women wore dresses, and children were expected to be neatly dressed as well. It was considered disrespectful to show up looking too casual, even on long flights. Nowadays, comfort reigns supreme, with travelers sporting sweatpants, leggings, and even pajamas in the airport. The idea of dressing to impress while sitting in a cramped airplane seat seems laughable to most young travelers today.
6. Not Calling Adults by Their First Names
Boomers were raised to address adults formally—using “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss” followed by a last name. Even family friends or close neighbors weren’t just “Bob” or “Nancy”; they were always “Mr. Smith” or “Mrs. Johnson.” Calling an adult by their first name without permission was seen as disrespectful. Today, this rule has relaxed quite a bit, with many parents encouraging kids to call adults by their first names or using informal titles like “Miss Sarah” or “Coach Mike.” The old-school formality has mostly faded, much to the confusion of boomers who still feel awkward being called by their first name by a kid.
7. Walking on the Correct Side of the Sidewalk
There was an unspoken rule that you always walked on the right side of the sidewalk, just like driving. If you were walking with someone, you didn’t spread out across the whole path, blocking others from passing. It was all about order and courtesy. Nowadays, sidewalks are a free-for-all, with people zigzagging, stopping suddenly to check their phones, or walking three or four across without a second thought. The lack of sidewalk etiquette would drive a boomer crazy.
8. Sending RSVPs for Invitations
If you were invited to a wedding, a birthday party, or any formal gathering, you were expected to send an RSVP—no exceptions. It wasn’t just polite; it was crucial for the host to plan food, seating, and other details. Ignoring an RSVP was considered inconsiderate. Today, many invitations go out digitally, and getting guests to confirm attendance is like pulling teeth. Ghosting an event is common, leaving hosts guessing at their final headcount until the last minute.
9. Eating Only After Everyone Was Served
Boomers were taught that you never started eating until everyone at the table had their food. It didn’t matter how hungry you were; you waited until the host or the eldest person at the table gave the go-ahead. This rule was especially enforced at formal meals and family gatherings. Today’s kids are more likely to dig in as soon as their plate hits the table, especially if they’re at a restaurant or a buffet. The idea of waiting seems unnecessary when food is right in front of you.
10. Writing in Cursive for Formality
Cursive writing wasn’t just a skill—it was an expectation. Writing in print was seen as childish, and for anything official, cursive was the only way to go. Many boomers still believe cursive gives a sense of refinement, and signatures in block letters look amateurish. But with schools phasing out cursive lessons, many kids today struggle to read it, let alone write it. This shift has made the old-fashioned cursive standard a thing of the past.
11. Keeping Elbows Off the Table
Proper table manners were drilled into every boomer kid, and one of the biggest dining sins was resting your elbows on the table. It was seen as sloppy, disrespectful, and just plain bad etiquette. Parents and teachers enforced this rule strictly. Today, while formal dining etiquette still exists in high-end settings, casual dining has relaxed so much that elbows on the table barely register as a faux pas.
12. Waiting to Open Gifts in Front of Guests
At birthday parties or holiday gatherings, it was common for the guest of honor to wait before opening presents. The idea was to avoid making anyone feel bad about their gift or putting pressure on the giver. Kids today often tear into gifts immediately, sometimes even while still on a video call with the gift-giver. While boomers would see this as rushed and impolite, modern attitudes lean more toward showing immediate appreciation.
13. Calling Before Visiting Someone’s House
Dropping by unannounced wasn’t unusual back in the day. However, if you were planning to visit, a phone call ahead of time was expected. Just showing up without a call—even to a friend or family member—was considered a little rude. These days, people don’t just call before coming over; they often text instead of calling at all. Unannounced visits are far less common, and if the doorbell rings unexpectedly, most people assume it’s a package delivery instead of a guest.
Boomers were raised in an era where etiquette and social rules were taken seriously, and while some of these customs may seem outdated, they once defined everyday interactions. Today’s kids live in a world with more casual social norms, but for those who remember these rules, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic for the days when manners were everything.
