Laugh at Your Own Risk—You’ll Be Old One Day

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Ah, the nostalgia of the past! I remember my college days in the ‘90s, where we often threw ‘70s-themed parties. I’d dig through my closet for the perfect mix of bell-bottom jeans and funky shirts, often borrowing items from my mom’s old wardrobe. I’d fluff out my naturally curly hair into a massive Afro, add a fist pick for flair, and voilà! Ready to boogie down.

Growing up in the ‘70s, we ‘90s kids felt an undeniable connection to that era, even if we had only seen it through old photographs and reruns of classic TV shows. I was always baffled when older colleagues at my internships looked at us with confusion when we excitedly talked about our ‘70s-themed parties. Didn’t they think it was cool?

Fast forward nearly twenty years, and I stumbled upon a picture from my internship days in the late ‘90s. My son’s babysitter, Lily, a college junior in her early 20s, spotted it on the kitchen table. “When was this?” she asked, eyes wide with excitement.

“1999,” I replied.

“I can totally tell by the clothes! I’m super into ‘90s fashion and shows now, and this looks just like something from that era!”

I raised an eyebrow. To me, those denim shirts and floral skirts felt completely normal. I couldn’t believe it had been 16 years since that picture was taken! When I asked her when she was born, she casually mentioned 1995—my senior year of high school.

Suddenly, it hit me. I had transformed into the “older” coworkers I used to poke fun at. I was now working alongside kids born the same year I graduated! How had this happened?

In my elementary school days during the ‘80s, we had ‘50s and ‘60s days, and by high school, it was all about the ‘70s. We rocked leisure suits and disco balls, while older folks were shocked to learn we were born in ‘75 or ‘76. Their reactions were priceless!

But now, the ‘90s were being celebrated by the next generation. College students were throwing parties dressed in grunge styles and quoting lines from Seinfeld—my heart protested! I wanted to shout, “Get off my lawn!”

When the local university bookstore hosted a ‘90s throwback event, I had to check it out. I cobbled together an outfit from my past: an early ‘90s flannel, a late ‘90s FUBU tee, and a floppy pink Blossom hat. Some students recognized the flannel, but the other two pieces? Not a clue. I realized they only knew the ‘90s through a narrow lens. With a heavy heart, I tucked my cherished items back into the closet.

A few days later, I shared my frustrations with my coworkers about how young these kids were and their lack of appreciation for our decade-defining moments. They chuckled, and my semi-retired coworker, Tom, cautioned me: “Just wait, it only gets worse.”

As time marches on, it’s inevitable that what once felt contemporary will become a relic of the past. If you’re curious about pregnancy and home insemination, check out the CDC’s excellent resource. And if you’re looking for more information on the topic, explore this guide on artificial insemination kits to keep you informed.

In the end, we all transition into the “old” crowd, even if we once laughed at them.

Summary

The author reflects on how time changes perspectives, illustrating the nostalgia for past decades and realizing that what was once youthful becomes a theme for younger generations. The essay emphasizes the inevitability of aging and the cycle of cultural appreciation.