Intergenerational conflict can often be surprising. While we usually hear about conflicts between generations, there’s one pairing that seems stuck in a feud: baby boomers and millennials. Despite their differences, it’s fascinating to explore what causes the friction.
Millennials grew up during the dawn of technology, which is likely a key point of contention. Many find themselves helping their boomer parents navigate everything from social media to streaming platforms like Netflix. Additionally, there seems to be a noticeable political divide—millennials tend to lean liberal, while baby boomers often identify with more conservative viewpoints.
Parenting styles also differ sharply; baby boomers often favor traditional, authoritative methods, whereas millennials adopt a more compassionate and understanding approach with their children.
A Reddit thread inviting Xennials (those born between 1977 and 1983) to share their experiences with baby boomers resulted in a light-hearted collection of quirks. Many millennials express frustration over their parents’ limited tech skills but also appreciate the nostalgic gestures like handwritten greeting cards.
Here’s a look at some boomer parent habits that often puzzle millennials:
1. They Save Everything
Many parents hoard items “just in case.” Whether it’s old containers or boxes, this habit often stems from memories of the Great Depression that influenced their parents.
2. Scary Texts
Texts that start with “We need to talk” can cause instant panic, only for it to turn out they just wanted to chat about something trivial.
3. Strange Death Notifications
It’s common to hear about distant acquaintances passing away, leaving millennials wondering why they should feel sad for someone they’ve never met.
4. Reluctance to Travel
Despite expressing jealousy over their children’s travels, many baby boomers don’t make the effort to travel themselves.
5. They Print Everything
Some boomers print emails, recipes, and photos, filling their homes with paper copies of digital files.
6. ‘From, Dad’ Texts
Some parents sign off with “From, Dad” as if clarity was needed in their text messages.
7. Irrational Fears
Parental fears often stem from their upbringing. For instance, some might irrationally fear their house will burn down, not just from danger but from the panic of losing everything.
8. Keeping Expired Food
It’s not uncommon to find expired items in a boomer’s fridge or pantry, as they might insist that food is fine as long as it hasn’t visibly spoiled.
9. Smartphone Use
Despite criticism of younger generations for being glued to their phones, many boomers are equally, if not more, attached to their devices.
10. Rigid Gender Roles
Many boomers cling to outdated gender roles, believing household chores should be divided along traditional lines.
11. Constant TV Background Noise
It’s typical for boomers to have the TV on throughout the day, often catching reruns of old shows while family tries to have a conversation.
12. They Always Have to Be Right
Arguing with parents can feel like a fruitless endeavor, especially when they insist on their way being the “only” way.
13. Weather Obsession
Some boomers have a passion for weather forecasts, making them overly concerned about storms or even minor weather changes.
14. One More Thing
As you’re leaving, don’t be surprised if they run out to tell you one more thing, prolonging goodbyes.
15. Mail Anxiety
Some parents suffer from stress over mail deliveries, fretting about every package until they know it has arrived.
While these generational quirks may sometimes frustrate, they also highlight the unique ways in which each generation expresses care and concern. Understanding these differences can help bridge the gap between boomers and millennials, fostering better communication and relationships.
Source link
prom, wildfires, wildfire relief, charity, the office, alice's kids, donation, funny, funny videos, high school, steve carell
