15 Polite Traditions From The Boomer Erea That Gen Z Just Doesn’t Follow Anymore
Good manners once meant following a well-defined set of social rules, from offering a seat to addressing elders respectfully. However, with cultural shifts and digital communication, many traditional signs of good manners are fading.
Gen Z, raised in a more casual, fast-paced world, often has a different approach to etiquette. While some see this as a loss, others feel that Gen Z is simply adapting politeness to modern values.
Here are 15 old-school manners that have all but disappeared among younger generations, and why they might be seen as outdated today.
Writing Thank-You Notes
Handwritten thank-you notes were once essential for expressing gratitude. Gen Z typically opts for a quick text or social media message instead, finding digital methods faster and more convenient.
Offering Your Seat to Others
In past generations, offering a seat to elders or pregnant women was standard courtesy. Many younger people don’t follow this rule, either because they’re unaware or assume public spaces are first-come, first-serve.
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Removing Hats Indoors
Once a hard rule, taking off hats indoors was a sign of respect. Gen Z often keeps hats or caps on, valuing personal style over this traditional etiquette.
Standing When Someone Enters the Room
Standing to greet someone, especially an elder or superior, was common courtesy. Nowadays, many younger people don’t observe this rule, seeing it as outdated and unnecessary.
RSVPing to Events
RSVPs were a must to show respect for hosts and help them plan. Gen Z sometimes skips formal RSVPs, assuming that informal communication through texts or social media is enough.
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Addressing Adults as “Mr.” or “Mrs.”
Formal titles were once used for adults to show respect. Many in Gen Z are more comfortable with first names, reflecting a trend toward casual relationships across generations.
Holding the Door Open
Holding doors open, especially for others behind you, was a classic sign of politeness. Gen Z may forget this gesture or assume it’s unnecessary if everyone is in a hurry.
Sending Formal Invitations
Formal invitations, whether for weddings or parties, were once sent in the mail. Many younger people now use digital invites, seeing them as more efficient and eco-friendly.
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Waiting for Everyone to Be Served Before Eating
It was customary to wait until everyone had food before starting a meal. With fast-paced lifestyles, Gen Z often skips this rule, diving in as soon as their food arrives.
Bringing a Hostess Gift
A gift for the host was once expected at any gathering. Gen Z often views it as unnecessary, particularly if the event is casual or hosted by friends.
Asking Permission to Leave the Table
In the past, asking to be excused from the table was standard, especially at family gatherings. Now, younger generations may leave without a word, feeling more casual about shared meals.
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Saying “Excuse Me” When Passing By
Using “excuse me” when navigating through a crowd was once polite protocol. Many Gen Z members skip this phrase, often moving quickly without stopping to exchange formalities.
Giving a Firm Handshake
A firm handshake was once the gold standard for making a good impression. Today, some younger people prefer fist bumps or nods, especially in informal or casual settings.
Not Speaking Until Spoken To
Traditionally, younger people were expected to wait for elders to address them first. Gen Z tends to be more direct, joining conversations freely rather than waiting to be invited.
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Keeping Phones Away During Meals
Putting phones away during meals was once considered respectful. Gen Z often keeps phones on the table or checks them, feeling that technology is simply part of everyday interactions.
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