7 Outdated Etiquette Rules Boomers Swear By That Gen Z Thinks Are Totally Exhausting

Last weekend, I saw my cousin getting a lecture about proper thank-you etiquette. She had texted a thank-you for a $20 Starbucks gift card instead of mailing a handwritten note. The lecture dragged on longer than writing the note would have taken!

“It’s just not proper,” her aunt insisted. “What will people think?”

Here’s my take: Many traditional etiquette rules don’t focus on kindness anymore. They seem to be about showing off politeness for an audience that could not care less. And let’s face it—Gen Z is tired of pretending these rituals matter.

Etiquette expert Emily Post said that manners reflect a “sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.” Yet, today, those rules often ignore real feelings.

Let’s explore seven etiquette rules that Gen Z finds unnecessarily exhausting.

### 1. Mandatory Greetings

Remember when handshakes disappeared during COVID? Gen Z secretly loved it. They don’t see the need for physical greetings, especially in work settings. One young professional said, “I dread networking events—not because I’m shy, but because I have to shake 30 sweaty hands and pretend it’s normal.”

Instead of awkward handshakes or cheek-kissing, a smile and eye contact would suffice!

### 2. Performing Gender Roles

Watching older generations hold doors for women is often a perplexing performance. A woman shared that her boss ran ahead just to open a door for her. “It made a two-second process take ten,” she said. Today, we’re moving beyond rigid gender roles, but many still cling to outdated behaviors.

### 3. Stuffy Titles

When was the last time someone under 30 called a coworker “Mr. Johnson”? Most likely, never. Yet, some older generations cling to formal titles in casual settings. It can feel dismissive, especially if someone asks you to use their first name and you insist on the formal one.

### 4. Handwritten Thank-You Notes

Why is gratitude measured by the medium? A text can be just as thoughtful as a handwritten note. Many older folks chastise younger generations for skipping the mail but often overlook warm texts like, “Thanks for the birthday money! Just bought textbooks!”

### 5. Dress Code Madness

Imagine showing up to a casual barbecue in a sundress, only to be told it’s “too casual.” Older generations often seem to have a strict dress code for every occasion. One Gen Z-er recalls a “casual” family gathering that required “business casual but festive.” This leads to more confusion than enjoyment.

### 6. The Last Piece Standoff

Picture this: One mozzarella stick left on a communal plate. Everyone wants it, but nobody grabs it. Instead, you sit through an awkward back-and-forth, and eventually, it gets tossed. Gen Z wants to say, “Just take it! That’s why we ordered it!”

### 7. Unannounced Calls

Nothing signals disrespect for someone’s time like a call without prior notice. While older generations might argue this is more personal, it can feel presumptuous today. One designer remarked, “My boss calls me for things that could be a two-sentence email.” Respecting each other’s time can lead to clearer communication.

### Final Thoughts

What frustrates Gen Z the most about these rules? They often feel like outdated performances rather than genuine consideration. Good manners should simplify our lives, not complicate them. When these rigid practices persist, they turn interactions into a theater rather than fostering genuine connections.

Perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate which rules are worth keeping. Today’s world calls for flexibility and understanding—not rigid performances of politeness that nobody truly enjoys.



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