It seems like social norms change annually, nowadays. It can be exhausting and confusing trying to keep track of how we’re supposed to behave in various situations, but for young people who haven’t been around to see these societal shifts, what they’ve observed is completely normal. We all have cell phones, we all should have social media accounts, and we should all be available 24/7.
Older generations, however, have a harder time accepting some of the changes that have come along, and recently, Redditors have been sharing some of the things they wish would become normalized again. Below, you’ll find some of their most insightful responses, so enjoy reading through and be sure to upvote all of the thoughts you agree with.
#1
The art of conversation. Just because I disagree with you on something doesn’t mean I don’t respect you.
epdug , priscilladupreez Report
Final score: 336points 
Scott Rackley Scott Rackley Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Hell, I’ll take a well constructed argument nowadays.
101 101points reply View More Replies… #2
Not being accessible all the time. Just because I have a cellphone doesnt mean I want to answer it at the supermarket, or while cooking dinner. Or while driving. Thats cool that my boss checks emails in his tesla driving 20 mins to work but I would rather not. I need a break
Dontgetmurdered_78 , gilleslambert Report
Final score: 312points 
blixten1982 blixten1982 Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Before cell phones, if someone didn’t answer the phone we’d just say, “Oh, they’re not home,” and that was normal. Nowadays, I wish it was just as normal to say, “Oh, they’re not answering their phone,” and just leave it at that.
129 129points reply View More Replies… #3
Classes in high school like wood shop, home economics, culinary, machine shop, etc and just trade school training in general for those who don’t want to go to college.
faithle97 , baileyal3xander Report
Final score: 301points 
sofacushionfort sofacushionfort Community Member • points posts comments upvotes 3 weeks ago Report
US: standardized test scores are tied to funding, so no time for skill development (either manual or critical thinking). Kids learn that life is only about obedience to ham-fisted metrics analysis.
96 96points reply View More Replies…
We reached out to the Reddit user who posed the question, “What things are seen as weird by the younger generation that we need to normalize again?” and lucky for us, u/Kvassalskaren55 was happy to have a chat with We.
As far as what inspired him to start this conversation, he shared that he was just bored on a Saturday and decided to post something on Reddit. “I thought of a question to post in r/askreddit, but I had no idea that it would get this popular,” the OP shared.
#4
Can we re-normalize using headphones while listening to music or watching videos in public? Please? I should be able to study on campus without having to listen to someone else’s s**t. I can’t even go to the campus library without someone blasting their s**t.
NerdyNina221B , dollargill Report
Final score: 300points El Dee El Dee Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Obviously not old enough to remember ‘ghetto blasters’ (yup, REALLY called that) These were extremely large radio cassettes with big speakers played at full volume everywhere from the 70s onwards until personal stereos became a thing. Before that it was ‘portable wireless radios’ These go back to the early 60s. Again, people have ALWAYS been a******s..
116 116points reply View More Replies… #5
Being able to fix things yourself-sew hems and small holes, fix a toilet or garbage disposal, etc
Final score: 280points 
D20 Games D20 Games Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago (edited) Report
We NEED to bring back home economics and wood shop as required classes in high school or middle school for ALL students. This would help so many young adults get their first steps in basic life skills.
151 151points reply View More Replies…
We were also curious what Kvassalskaren55 would answer to his own question. “I think we should normalize talking to each other more,” he shared. “I think today’s generation is missing out on getting to know people face to face. You never know who is behind the screen, it could be anyone.”
On the other hand, the OP is appreciative that homophobia has become much less socially acceptable. “Everyone should be able to love whoever they want without facing backlash,” he told We.
#6
Not having everything you do in public recorded.
Two random people arguing? Gotta record it.
Bad car wreck? Don’t help. record.
Natural disaster? Don’t run, stay and document it until someone has to rescue you, then get the rescue for maximum likes.
Deitaphobia , sebenrique12 Report
Final score: 271points blixten1982 blixten1982 Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Same with concerts. I don’t understand how people can’t just watch a concert and enjoy it. Does anyone ever go back and watch their phone footage anyway?
115 115points reply View More Replies… #7
Affordable housing.
Final score: 259points 
keyboardtek keyboardtek Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Wall Street investors have been buying up housing all over the country just to make money on excessive rents and the tight housing market, which they contributed to making.
39 39points reply View More Replies…
As far as his thoughts on the responses to his post, Kvassalskaren55 says he agreed with many of them. “There were a few that surprised me,” he noted. “Those were the ones where people said that they were tired of people thinking that they are available at all times. That they need a break.”
#8
Having the decency and manners to verbally cancel plans or say you’ll be late in a timely fashion that’s respectful of the other person’s time and effort, instead of framing ghosting people as some kind cute personality quirk.
glurbleblurble , korneevamaha Report
Final score: 243points sofacushionfort sofacushionfort Community Member • points posts comments upvotes 3 weeks ago Report
Being stood up or ditched on a date are as old as dating itself, but the RSVP was a contract that could only be violated at the peril of never receiving any future invitations
65 65points reply View More Replies… #9
Being quiet at the movies.
moonbeamcrazyeyes , jakehills Report
Final score: 231points 
hwatinternation hwatinternation Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
It’s still very normal where I am.
74 74points reply View More Replies… #10
Actually owning the things you buy. Having the right to tinker with your devices.
Final score: 228points 
Mike Fitzpatrick Mike Fitzpatrick Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Too damned many companies jumping on the product as a service bandwagon and it needs to stop. For instance, you pay (typically dearly) for a option on your new car, but you then need to pay a fee/subscription to use it? Not in this world, that’s absurd.
75 75points reply View More Replies… #11
Not having social media. Apparently now not being on whatever sites is a red flag.
Final score: 209points 
BoredPamda BoredPamda Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
I just respect people who don’t have it. I wish I could quit it
79 79points reply View More Replies… #12
Repairing and looking after clothes and shoes!
Green-Escape2 , photogasan Report
Final score: 191points Maggie Maggie Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
And stop the piles of clothes going to landfill. Throwaway culture needs to cease.
90 90points reply View More Replies… #13
Being able to handle the slightest bit of social interaction. I’ve met some Gen Z who damn near have panic attacks when making a call for delivery, let alone speaking to people they don’t know in public. Some seem to think every interaction with a stranger is potentially life threatening. The anxiety levels in that generation are off the charts.
Final score: 190points 
Sunshine Lady Sunshine Lady Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
I find the introvert memes tendency horrifying and relatable at the same time. Being an introvert myself I understand the struggle, but it seems to me it’s getting worse and worse, triggering anxiety if you just let it be your lifestyle.
89 89points reply View More Replies… #14
Knowing how to cook, even if that knowledge exists so you don’t starve.
BrunoDeeSeL , conscious_design Report
Final score: 180points Daniel Atkins Daniel Atkins Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Agree knowing how to cook is a learnable skill you don’t need to be a chef.
74 74points reply View More Replies… #15
I feel like u can’t just talk to random people anymore. No one seems approachable. My mum talks to anyone wether she knows them or not. I notice alotnof the older generations are much more open to random chit chat
cgarnett1988 , shanerounce Report
Final score: 178points hwatinternation hwatinternation Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Some people just don’t want to be bothered when they’re trying to go about their day.
68 68points reply View More Replies… #16
The hustle culture needs to go. We need to normalize working while keeling in touch with family and friends, not working yourself to death. Also, how about lowering house price, eh? It’s a dwelling, not a money making machine.
johnjonjoe , priscilladupreez Report
Final score: 168points 
Rose the Cook Rose the Cook Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
A house used to be a home not an investment for profit. It annoys me when real estate agents talk about selling a home, it is the house not the home being sold.
46 46points reply View More Replies… #17
Pensions. The ability for current and future generations to retire.
Final score: 165points 
Geoffrey Scott Geoffrey Scott Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
All that has happened is the companies have shifted the risk from them to you. If you can get such good returns, they can too. Of course in most plans you do not contribute. Just more evidence of poor money management on their part, and how criminal underfunding is.
17 17points reply View More Replies… #18
Talking to people in-person, and asking people out, and not being a f*****g weirdo if they say no.
Apps and social media have caused so much headrot.
Final score: 157points El Dee El Dee Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
If anything this was worse years ago. Social media is doing us all a service by letting people know this is not acceptable. Imagine a world where no one told these a******s they were out of order. I grew up in it..
33 33points reply View More Replies… #19
Holding your phone to your ear when talking.
Final score: 154points 
Stardust she/her Stardust she/her Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago (edited) Report
I only use loudspeaker at home when nobody is around
68 68points reply View More Replies… #20
Eating dinner as a family round an actual table.
Pale-Garlic5523 , drazenphoto Report
Final score: 144points 
PlatinumThe8-BitCat PlatinumThe8-BitCat Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Do other people not do this?
38 38points reply View More Replies… #21
Just working out in a gym without the need to record yourself
Immediate_Birthday80 , dncerullo Report
Final score: 132points hwatinternation hwatinternation Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Again, it’s not an abnormal thing to go and not record. Going to the gym without recording is normalised.
32 32points reply View More Replies… #22
**Getting to know your neighbours and connecting with the local community.**
How many of us actually know or have talked to the people next door?? It used to be so common to introduce yourself at least, nowadays it’s just weird and considered off-putting, making it much harder to build a strong sense of community.
This generation tends to be very isolated generally, and considering how actively hostile modern urban design is, it tends to discourage people from going outside and meeting people. This is also coupled with the rise of social media and a general sense of paranoia about feeling constantly watched, since everyone basically has a miniature recording device in their pocket. It decentivizes people from striking up more friendly conversations, due to fear of being recorded being cringe or whatever and going viral. Honestly the pandemic has f****d social skills beyond belief, but let’s get real here, the loneliness epidemic predates Covid by a long shot, quarantine just put it into hyperdrive.
I think knowing your neighbours should make a comeback. Along with neighbourhood block parties and potlucks. And for gods sake, can we please make less suburbs and anti-homelessness benches, and more free/affordable public infrastructure while we’re at it??? It’s been said already, but look at the outside we built, no wonder kids don’t want to go outside anymore.
Final score: 114points censorshipsucks censorshipsucks Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Again depends on country and background. Low income areas in my country have good social networks and high income areas have neighbours who barely interact and mostly hate each other.
35 35points reply View More Replies… #23
Taking your clothes to a tailor instead of getting new clothes
Appropriate-Canary60 , pecmen Report
Final score: 102points Daniel Atkins Daniel Atkins Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Outside of large cities where does one find a tailor?
47 47points reply View More Replies… #24
That individuals matter, not what groups people can be pegged as belonging to.
Common-Wish-2227 , reka Report
Final score: 101points censorshipsucks censorshipsucks Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
This is only true of individualist (ie western) culture. In Africa our community is the most important thing.
23 23points reply View More Replies… #25
Vulnerability. Sincerity. These things seem to get lumped in with “cringe” when they shouldn’t be.
cerebrospynal , tbarlettaf Report
Final score: 95points El Dee El Dee Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Yet again – NO! This generation are far more accepting of people’s struggles with mental health, sexuality, bullying and so on..
58 58points reply View More Replies… #26
Texting back too quickly is apparently a thing to younger folk? Whereas I see it as the ultimate sign of respect and interest when you’re having an engaging conversation. There’s so much second guessing about presentation and interest levels that many forget that it’s cool, fine, and normal to just be honest with feelings and pursue them as long as they’re reciprocal.
KremlinHoosegaffer , miquel_parera_mila Report
Final score: 88points 
MichelleDonut MichelleDonut Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
What kills me is “punctuation is aggressive” and “ok means you’re mad.” WTF kids?!?
75 75points reply View More Replies… #27
Telephone skills, not fearing making phone calls
Delicious_Magician14 , gabofilms Report
Final score: 84points Daniel Atkins Daniel Atkins Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Emails and texts are too easy to ignore. I feel it takes twice as long to communicate via email.
21 21points reply View More Replies… #28
Go to the park and join a bunch of strangers in playing a game whether it be touch football, throwing the Frisbee, even a game of TAG.
Final score: 80points 
Sexual Harassment Panda Sexual Harassment Panda Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Uhh no. I would never walk up to strangers playing a game and join them.
24 24points reply View More Replies… #29
Internet privacy
friendlylifecherry , kaitlynbaker Report
Final score: 71points 
Shelli Aderman Shelli Aderman Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
It was never there to begin with…
82 82points reply View More Replies… #30
Not bringing your phone into the sauna/steam room.
puckmonky , juliaelliot Report
Final score: 59points PlatinumThe8-BitCat PlatinumThe8-BitCat Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 3 weeks ago Report
Couldn’t that ruin it?
62 62points reply View More Replies…