13 Manners Gen-Xers Know That Their Kids Might Miss Out On

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As a Gen-Xer, I often find myself shaking my head at the differences in social etiquette between my generation and today’s youth. Let’s take a nostalgic look at a few manners that we grew up with, which seem to be fading from the current landscape.

1. Expressing Gratitude for Professional Help
   Back in the day, if someone took the time to assist you in your career, a heartfelt thank-you was in order, often delivered through handwritten letters. Nowadays, with quick digital communications, it’s easy to overlook the effort someone made on your behalf. As Melissa, an author I admire, puts it, an introduction holds more weight than a casual text. Recognizing someone’s time and effort is still essential.
2. Making Eye Contact When Shaking Hands
   In a world consumed by screens, kids today often miss the importance of a firm handshake and direct eye contact. This simple act can set the tone for a budding relationship, so it’s worth teaching this classic skill.
3. Car Etiquette
   Remember when you had to wait for the driver to unlock the car door before you hopped in? With automatic locks and a decline in driving among younger folks, such etiquette seems to have vanished, along with the shared music battles over cassette tapes during car rides.
4. Bringing Hostess Gifts
   With the rise of co-living situations and the sharing economy, the tradition of bringing a little something for your host has become less common. However, whether it’s a bottle of wine or some goodies from the market, it’s still a nice touch to show appreciation when staying at someone’s place.
5. Phone Etiquette
   I remember my mom teaching me to properly introduce myself when calling friends. Today, kids mostly text or use apps, making traditional phone conversations feel almost obsolete.
6. Using Titles of Respect
   In many communities, it’s common for kids to call adults by their first names. While it can feel more casual and friendly, there’s something to be said about the respect that comes with using titles like Mr. or Ms. When my friend’s mom asked me to call her Karen, I felt a shift towards equality, which might be a lesson worth revisiting.
7. Starting Conversations
   With social media keeping us updated in real-time, the classic “How was your day?” has become somewhat redundant. Kids today are used to sharing every detail online, which can make in-person conversations feel less meaningful.
8. Making Plans and Keeping Them
   “OMG traffic sry running 15 min l8.” This seems to be the norm nowadays, but the art of planning and being punctual is something our kids should learn.
9. Handwritten Thank You Notes
   There’s just no comparison between a heartfelt handwritten note and a quick email. Taking the time to express thanks in writing is a lost art that still holds value.
10. Offering Condolences Properly
    Though even some Gen Xers may struggle with this, the tradition of sending sympathy cards or showing up in person to offer condolences has been replaced by quick social media posts. Real gestures mean more than just typing “sorry for your loss.”
11. Ending Conversations Gracefully
    In a digital age where goodbyes are rarely said, establishing a proper sign-off in emails is important. Whether you choose “best” or “warmly,” a clean ending is appreciated.
12. Waiting for Everyone to Eat
    In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common for meals to be served at different times. But taking a moment to wait for everyone to be seated reflects a respect that should be upheld.
13. Letting Others Share Their Stories
    We used to learn about people gradually, through conversations. Now, thanks to social media, kids often dive into relationships with a preloaded understanding of each other’s lives. This can rush the process of getting to know someone.

In conclusion, while technology has transformed how we communicate and interact, there are timeless manners that deserve to be passed down. Teaching our children these practices can enrich their social lives.

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