We all remember the days when people dressed up for an airplane and sent handwritten thank-you notes. Feels like a long time ago, doesn’t it? Boomers sure remember because they were the champions of these protocols, even though these have fallen through the cracks nowadays. Let’s look at 12 etiquette rules that were common for Boomers and why they no longer exist.
Addressing Adults Formally
It was never OK to speak to adults by first name unless invited. The Baby Boomers were religious about using Mr, Mrs, or Miss, followed by their last name when they were addressing an older adult or authority figure.
It was a rule that preserved respect and boundaries. Now etiquette rules are so much more relaxed; first names are a given.
Dressing Up for Flights
Flights used to be something for which you had to dress to the nines because boomers treated flights as celebrations and looked the part. Now, comfort is in and the glitz & glamor of flying are gone.
A more relaxed style can make travel a little less of a hassle. Sadly, it has killed some of the pomp and circumstance that once made flying an adventure.
RSVPing Promptly
When Boomers received an invitation by mail, they would reply as soon as possible. It showed the host you were interested in what was happening and how it was being organized.
Today, with digital invites and last-minute decisions, writing an RSVP is on the way out. This change means lots of uncertainties in event scheduling and shows our more general loss of commitment to social life.
Using Tableware Properly
For any dinner date, Boomers knew which fork was for salad and which spoon was for dessert. Having this knowledge about the right plate-ware showed that you were a respectable person and well-versed in dining protocol.
But being smart with your silverware at a special dinner can still be good; you’re showing care for the meal and the cook.
Making Proper Introductions
It was important to introduce people the right way. Boomers would pass on names and a little background information to set up a dialogue, which is something of a dying art.
These days, people indulge in their conversations and forget introductions, barely mentioning a name, if that. It’s a shame because introductions are the most important part of building any new connections.
No Elbows on the Table
One big rule at the dinner table was “no elbows.” Your pose and good table manners were pretty important and it’s still preached by some parents, but it’s not the unwritten rule it once was in younger generations.
Sticking to this rule at a formal dinner shows you are respectful of the environment and the food.
Offering Your Seat
Boomers didn’t hesitate to get up and hand over a seat to an older person or a pregnant woman on the subway. It was just a matter of courtesy and respect.
Now, it is still seen as polite but not quite your duty to do. It’s a small way of being conscious of someone else’s comfort and needs that never goes out of style.
No One Wants to Make The Call
If you needed to call someone after 9 PM, that used to mean waiting unless something urgent came up. Boomers saw this as honoring others’ time and evening habits.
But thanks to texting and apps, people reach out every moment of the day, regardless of the time. All this 24/7 access can be convenient, but it can also mean burnout.
Being Punctual
Arriving early was an act of honor to the person you were meeting. Boomers prized being on time because it showed your reliability and regard for people’s time.
Unfortunately, it is more acceptable and easier to be late today. Yet arriving on time is one way to make it clear that you’re as appreciative of someone else’s time as you are of your own.
Respecting Privacy
Privacy used to be huge. Boomers did not like talking about themselves or others’ personal details and would never share them.
But with the rise of social media, our boundaries have opened up quite a bit. Even so, we shouldn’t forget how important protecting your personal boundaries protected and maintaining some level of safety can be.
Waiting to Eat Until Everyone is Served
For Boomers, waiting until everyone at the table had been served was considered a given. The whole rule involved being considerate to other diners, although things have changed now.
People simply get in the zone when the plate arrives. But waiting is still a nice gesture that indicates you take time to care about the experience of the group.
Handwritten Thank You Notes
When you received a gift, a thank you note was required if you were born into the Boomer generation. You had to show them you really did care enough to pick up a card, put a nice message on it and send it.
A quick text or email can get the job done these days, but it’s not as personal, is it? The rarity of handwritten notes means it’s all the more a surprise and special to get one in the mail.
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