Before I Turned Twelve, The Movie Price Was 35 Cents
Older People Are Recalling “Out-Of-Date” Behaviors Gen-Zers Would Be Completely Confused By
Ever wonder what life was like before smartphones and streaming services? We asked some older folks to share behaviors from their past that would completely baffle today’s Gen-Zers. Here’s a trip down memory lane with some “out-of-date” habits.
1. Calling the Operator
Believe it or not, there was a time when you had to call the operator to connect you to the person you wanted to talk to. No direct dialing, just a friendly voice asking, “How can I help you?”
2. Physical Maps
Before GPS, people used physical maps to get around. You had to unfold these huge pieces of paper and figure out your route. Getting lost was part of the adventure!
3. Using Payphones
Imagine having to find a payphone to make a call. You’d have to carry change with you just in case you needed to make an urgent call. No cell phones, just public booths.
4. Writing Letters
Texting and emailing were non-existent. If you wanted to communicate with someone far away, you wrote a letter, put it in an envelope, and waited days or even weeks for a reply.
5. Renting Movies
Streaming services? Forget about it. People went to video rental stores to rent VHS tapes or DVDs. You had to rewind the tapes before returning them, too!
6. Listening to the Radio for Music
Before Spotify and Apple Music, people listened to the radio to hear their favorite songs. You had to wait for the DJ to play your requested song, and sometimes you’d wait all day!
7. Developing Film
Taking photos wasn’t instant. You had to take your film to a photo lab and wait days to see how your pictures turned out. No instant gratification, just anticipation.
8. Shopping In-Person
Online shopping didn’t exist. People actually went to stores, tried on clothes, and interacted with salespeople. Shopping was a social activity, not just a click away.
9. Using Encyclopedias
Researching for school projects meant flipping through volumes of encyclopedias. No quick Google searches; just heavy books full of information.
10. Memorizing Phone Numbers
People used to memorize phone numbers. You knew your friends’ and family members’ numbers by heart. Today, most of us don’t even know our own phone number!
These behaviors might seem old-fashioned now, but they were everyday realities for many. It’s fascinating to see how much has changed over the years and how technology has transformed the way we live. What “out-of-date” behavior do you remember that would confuse today’s Gen-Zers?
