Let’s face it — what used to be “proper” now just feels… extra. Although older generations see certain rules as signs of respect, a lot of Gen Z and Millennials see them as outdated, fake or just plain unnecessary. Here are 14 classic etiquette rules that younger people are happily ditching — and honestly? They’re not wrong.
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Standing Up When Someone Enters the Room
Back in the day, people stood up when someone entered the room as a sign of respect – like their readiness to serve tea or defend their household. Now? Gen Z thinks standing for each room entry is too much work. Instead, they believe that respect should be shown through kind actions.
Always Saying “Sir” or “Ma’am”
Younger generations don’t mean to offend when they skip formalities — they simply see these traditions as excessively stiff and uncomfortable. They prefer addressing you by name or asking for your pronouns instead of using formal titles that seem outdated and military-like.
Waiting to Be Told to Sit at the Table
The etiquette rule feels like it came directly from an episode of “Downton Abbey”. Modern folks are more casual & inclusive and everyone pulls up a chair to share food. You don’t need to stand awkwardly by the table and wait for a royal nod before sitting down.
Not Speaking Unless Spoken To
Many young people see this as a rule that mutes their voices. Why must they wait for permission to speak when they have something important to contribute? The younger generations – Gen Z and Millennials – have been taught to express their thoughts freely. They do not consider age a barrier for holding back their opinions.
Always Dressing Up for Every Occasion
Younger generations do not need to wear full outfits except for weddings or court dates. They now view comfort as most important and believe you don’t need dress shoes and blazers to appear “put together”. They appreciate realness and appreciate people who excel at their jobs even when wearing joggers.
Writing Formal Thank You Notes by Hand
Handwritten thank you cards are nice but buying stationery and mailing it to thank someone for a gift card seems excessive. Younger generations choose to express their thanks through meaningful texts, funny memes or sweet voice notes. It’s not lazy — it’s just efficient and real-time.
Not Talking About Politics or Money
Traditional manners said not to discuss money or politics at the table but Gen Z questions this rule. Gen Z wants to discuss important topics like pay gaps and climate change – refusing to speak up is no longer seen as neutral. They believe that open dialogue creates meaningful change.
Waiting to Be Introduced
They will introduce themselves when no one else steps forward to do so. Younger generations value confidence over hierarchy. They don’t want to stand alone awkwardly in corners at social gatherings – they prefer approaching others to introduce themselves directly like “Hi, I’m Taylor, nice to meet you.”
Never Correcting Someone Older
Back then, age used to mean authority – this no longer holds true today. Younger generations continue to show respect to their elders but they will challenge them when they say something offensive, outdated or incorrect. They believe everyone should be accountable, no matter what their age is.
Using “Proper” Grammar All the Time
They’re fluent in texting, abbreviations, emojis and tone-driven communication. Grammar still matters in school and work, sure — but in everyday conversations? They use “lol,” lowercase their whole messages and avoid punctuation when they talk about serious topics.
Always Keeping Your Phone Away at the Table
Traditional etiquette defines using phones during meals as impolite behavior. Younger people treat phones like conversation tools to share memes during dinner, fact-check topics, and show funny TikTok videos. People use their phones at the table not to disconnect but to create unique forms of connection.
Eating Everything on Your Plate
Boomers followed the golden rule of “Finish your plate.”. But younger generations are more in tune with intuitive eating and avoiding food guilt. If they’re full, they’ll stop. Today, polite eating habits like finishing your plate just to be polite no longer make sense – we live in a world focused on body awareness and mental health.
Making Long Apologies for Being Late
A simple, sincere “Sorry I’m late” is enough. Gen Z isn’t into dramatic over-apologizing — they believe in being responsible, but also not beating yourself up for being 10 minutes late to brunch. Life happens and no one needs a Shakespearean apology over it.
Always Following the Chain of Command
They refuse to wait days to go through multiple “proper channels.” They will immediately speak out against anything that appears broken or unjust. They don’t hesitate to bypass standard procedures and contact the decision-maker in school, work, or customer service situations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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