Things Aren’t What They Used To Be…But So What?
Let’s get one thing straight right away: nobody’s saying you can’t have opinions! Honestly, a little grumbling is practically a national pastime, and we’re not above griping about our fair share of things, too. That said, some complaints have outlived their usefulness and now mostly drain the room instead of improving anything. It’s time we dove into some common complaints that should be retired already.
1. “Kids These Days”
You don’t have to love every trend, but blanket complaints about younger people miss the point. After all, people once said that about you! Plenty of youngins work hard, care about their communities, and juggle pressures you didn’t have. If you want respect, you need to offer it first.
2. Phones Being Everywhere
Okay, there’s no denying that people look at screens a lot. You’re allowed to find it annoying. But phones are also how families stay connected, appointments get made, and emergencies get handled. There’s nothing wrong with wanting less screen time around you, but ask for it directly instead of treating phones like a moral failure.
3. People Working Remotely
You may prefer an office, and that’s fine, but not every job needs a commute to be “real.” Many people are more productive at home, and companies save money while employees save time. Who cares about the location if the work gets done well?
4. Employees Wanting Work-Life Balance
Say what you want about younger generations—they know how to fight for their rights. You can value dedication without romanticizing burnout, and more people now expect reasonable hours, fair pay, and a life that isn’t just labor and errands. Calling that “lazy” makes you sound out of touch.
5. Participation Trophies
This one didn’t happen without adults, so blaming kids is a little rich. Most people grow up understanding that effort isn’t the same as winning, even if a plastic trophy showed up once. You don’t always have to push someone to be the best; sometimes, it’s enough that they tried!
6. Streaming Replacing Cable
If it makes you feel any better, between ads and the cost of services, streaming basically reverted to cable anyway. That said, not every platform is made the same. Though you miss channel surfing, streaming gives people choice and usually costs less. It’s also made it easier for niche shows and diverse creators to find audiences.
7. People Not Knowing “Basic” Tech
No, young people don’t know how to use a rotary phone anymore. But older generations struggle with today’s technology, too! Tech changes quickly, and being confused by it isn’t a character flaw, especially when you’re the one confused. A little patience goes further than acting like you’ve discovered a national crisis.
8. Self-Checkout Lanes
We, too, miss the days of an actual human being behind the counter, but complaining isn’t fixing anything. You’re not wrong that they can be annoying, especially when they glitch. Still, they’re convenient for quick trips, and many stores keep staffed lanes for people who prefer them.
9. “Nobody Wants to Drive Stick”
Manual transmissions are cool, don’t get us wrong, but they’re not a personality test either. Automatics are easier in traffic and more practical for a lot of people, so if you enjoy stick, drive one and let that be enough.
10. New Music Being Nothing But “Noise”
You know, there was a time when people considered The Beatles radical. Taste changes, and music evolves whether we like it or not. There’s excellent new music across every genre, and you don’t have to like all of it to admit that. Instead of saying it’s terrible, say it’s not for you and keep the mood lighter.
11. People Talking About Mental Health
Mental health existed in the ‘50s and ‘60s, too—the only difference is that people didn’t talk about it. Being open about stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to support and treatment that actually works. Rolling your eyes at progress isn’t a good look, and it might even prevent you from seeking the help you deserve!
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
12. Going to Therapy
Therapy isn’t a weakness, and it isn’t only for crises. Many people use it to communicate better, manage emotions, and stop repeating the same mistakes. If you’ve never tried it, it’s weird to complain about others improving themselves.
13. Pronouns and Inclusive Language
You don’t have to memorize every term overnight, but basic courtesy isn’t a high bar. People are usually patient when you’re trying in good faith, so if you make it a fight, you’re only choosing friction over respect.
14. Plant-Based Foods Existing
Nobody’s taking your burger away, and veggie options aren’t as big a deal as some people make them. People eat differently for health, ethics, or simply preference, and it doesn’t require commentary from the peanut gallery.
Lefteris kallergis on Unsplash
15. Couples Waiting Longer to Marry
Life is expensive, and many people want stability before making big commitments. There’s nothing wrong with that! Rushing into marriage doesn’t guarantee happiness, and delaying it doesn’t mean someone’s broken.
16. Young People Not Having Kids
Parenthood is meaningful for many, but it isn’t mandatory. If weddings are expensive, imagine how big a money pit children are. Not to mention, some people can’t have kids. Others don’t want them. Pressuring people rarely changes minds; it only changes how often they call.
17. How People Dress
Fashion has always shifted, and comfort matters more to people now. You can prefer your style without acting offended by someone else’s grey sweats in public or pajama pants in a grocery store. If it isn’t harming anyone, what difference does it make?
18. “Back in My Day, We Worked Harder”
Everyone knows boomers worked hard, but that’s no reason to demand a harder life for others. Today’s workers face high housing costs, student debt, and a job market that often demands constant availability. Acknowledging that reality doesn’t erase your effort, but it does highlight that you understand how different things are today.
yerling villalobos on Unsplash
19. Customer Service “Isn’t What It Used to Be”
Some service is worse, but many workers are underpaid. They also deal with rude behavior all day. If you want better service, treat employees like humans and be clear about what you need!
Berkeley Communications on Unsplash
20. Change Itself
You’re allowed to miss what felt familiar. However, constant resistance makes life smaller than it needs to be. The world will keep moving, and you’ll enjoy it more if you stay curious instead of defensive. You don’t have to love everything new, but new doesn’t automatically mean bad.
