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"This world is outdated. Young people know nothing and can't do anything, they don't respect their elders and don't want to learn, prices are rising, and there's nothing good to expect from the future..." Do you think this is another rant from Reddit? Well, almost... It's a quote from a clay tablet from Babylon, dating back about one and a half millennia B.C.

As we can see, over the past three and a half millennia, little has changed in people's pessimism regarding their assessments of the past and the future. At the same time, let's agree, sometimes it's worth just saying goodbye to "good old things" without regret and letting them rest peacefully in history books. So our selection today is dedicated to such "dying out" things from the past.

More info: Reddit

#1

Classic vintage car parked on a dry desert landscape, representing things from the good old days soon fading away. Classic cars exactly. Can you imagine in thirty years having a car show with today’s cars ? Our cars are so boring.

SimilarElderberry956 , wirestock Report

Cee Cee
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have two classic motorcycles and I think they are far prettier than the modern iterations.

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    #2

    Older couple having a heated discussion indoors highlighting changes in communication beyond thank you notes from the good old days. 'Jokes' about hating your spouse.

    And good riddance.

    Glozboy , The Yuri Arcurs Collection Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because they really weren't jokes. Now people don't express a failed relationship in the form of "jokes" and get divorced instead.

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    #3

    A concerned mother and father comforting a sad young boy, reflecting on changing family moments from the good old days. Never apologizing to your children.

    VFTM , freepik Report

    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sorry we have to return you to the hospital. We couldn't pay the bill.

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    There's a Reddit community called "Millennials," where a few weeks ago the user u/Soup_stew_supremacy asked the question: "There is always discourse about Millennials 'killing' things (Applebees, newspapers, churches etc.). What are some things you think will 'die' once the older generations go?"

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    The topic-starter themselves suggested several options: churches, classic car shows, schools, the housing shortage, and cooking or homekeeping knowledge.

    It's not that all the options suggested by the original poster found a warm response from netizens, but the thread has about 2K upvotes and over 1.9K different comments, so the discussion was really lively and exciting. And now please meet this selection of the most interesting opinions from this thread, made for you by Bored Panda!

    #4

    Cozy living room with modern sofa, armchair, fireplace, and decor capturing a nostalgic feel of thank you notes era. "Company rooms" or formal living rooms - those rooms in your grandparents' houses that are kept pristine and saved for important guests or special events only - "don't go in there and mess things up!"

    (I always thought this was SO WEIRD, an entire room you only use a few times a year?!).

    modernrocker , aigeneratedusa Report

    Andrew Burke
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have said Gen X let this die out. No-one I know has a room like that. Even my Baby-Boom parents didn't have a room like that. Last one I recall seeing anywhere was in the early 80s.

    CD Mills
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, they were around. You'd see them every once in a while when you went to a new friend's house for the first time. You might think everybody had them the way it was emphasized and often shown on TV. It didn't take long for it to flip over into 'TV trope' territory when it wasn't that common for the majority.

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    Kit Black
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The silent generation had these, and the wealthier boomers. I don't know anyone in my generation who has one - gen x could never have afforded to waste money on this c**p.

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I *thought* my parents' best friends had such a room - nice carpet, piano, a white couch facing the front window that overlooked a bird bath - as we always sat in the secondary living area by the kitchen when we visited. It wasn't until decades later that my mom mentioned to me that her friend was very proud of the room & longed for people to sit in there instead of the secondary area, and all I could think was, "If you knew that, why didn't you? Why not make her happy by sitting in the pretty room instead of the boring looking-at-the-kitchen one?"

    Duane Ringlein
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm 73 now (Yes a Boomer) and had a "living room" which was never allowed to go into unless there was company over, and a "family room" where we watched tv and relaxed. Never had that setup on in any of my houses.

    Helen Rohrlach
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Growing up our neighbours had one. It had white carpet. On a farm.

    Mingey
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Parlour comes from the French word parle, as to speak, so it's a speaking/talking room, one brings their visitors to the fancy room to speak

    SteelyDan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha ha. True. And formal dining rooms! I’m in 8-10 homes per week in sales and the percentage of homes using their formal dining room as an office or kids’ play area is over 50% IME.

    Lousha
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always detested any variation of this, be it the "good china", that tablecloth you only pull out when "somebody" is coming, hiding your silly decorations when you have visitors, cleaning extra hard because guests are coming etc. I want my home to be MINE, and I want to be comfortable in it. I want to be surrounded with things that make me happy, and I want to use and enjoy them. If a visitor does not appreciate my untidy room, my daily used glasses and plates etc., they don't have to visit. That said, I still understand that this is also a respect thing, showing your guest that you prepared and let them have your good stuff. And I still prefer guests who don't expect me to prove my respect this way, they just know if I respect them or not anyway.

    Hiram's Friend
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Got a room like that. My wife uses it for sewing and I store my photographic equipment and oxygen concentrators on the sofa.

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, in one of our houses, we had an adult lounge. It was perfect for lying in the sun during the day when they were out and I would literally just roll over as the sun moved. It SHOULD have been a dining room.

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gen-X here. Yeah we dropped the ball on that one for sure.

    Karl
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Gran (born 1908) had a "best room" we weren't allowed to sit in. It was the front room of the house and faced directly into the street so people might look in. We had to sit in the dark middle room next to the kitchen if we went round. Never understood that.

    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Millennial here: we have one and so do 90% of my neighbours (new build estate with very similar floor plans). We love living in the kitchen/living room but the lounge is fantastic when there’s more people, ie when we have guests. I think the last time we sat in there was about 2 months ago.

    Lazy Panda 2
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just can't imagine being able to afford a house with an extra room I don't really use! Gen X here.

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    Roland C.
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My great-grandmother's tiny living room was off limits to us kids for this reason. Only important visitors like the parish priest were invited to sit there. Also most every surface was covered with breakable knick-knacks and framed photos so you could barely move.

    Marnie
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm nearing 60 and I've only seen two houses in my life where they did that (and I think both owners are now deceased). In the US, this isn't actually a widespread practice is it?

    megabeth
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm 44 and have seen plenty. Houses in the suburbs of Wisconsin were built with them in the 90's. Probably still are. They would have a formal dining room as well. Everyone only spent time in the "family room" off the kitchen in the back of the house.

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    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have posted this here before but here I am posting it again. I had a uncle growing up that he was very very well off. He had one room were no one ever go in. You could look in the room but you were not aloud to enter it. It was open but he had one of those ropes were you seen in fancy theaters maron color I believe, across the entrance of the room.

    Jan Rosier
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Born 1966, no clue what 'Gen' I am (tried to work it out once but I've never been good at maths). Anyway, NEVER seen a room like this. Not even at my grandparents'. Maybe we were more of a practical kind of family?

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    1966 is Gen X, not that you actually asked "-)

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandmother had a "parlor", where no one was permitted. Except for us grandchildren, who were allowed everything everywhere.

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    #5

    Seven different dog breeds sitting on a bench in a park, representing nostalgic moments linked to thank you notes. Specific animal breeding, such as Pigeon or dogs. These create a lot of suffering and I dont think millennials are so inclined to continue.

    YellowstoneCoast , cynoclub Report

    Papa
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This entry could use some clarity. I suspect selective breeding will continue, but hopefully more care will be taken to choose for qualities beneficial to the animals health instead of detrimental to suit some aesthetic standard. Also, it's not just dogs and pigeons. Several tropical fish species are intentionally bred for qualities that negatively impact their health. The "balloon" varieties, where the internal organs are compressed into a space that is too small, are one example. Bettas and guppies with overly long fins and tails that impede swimming are another one.

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    #6

    Person mowing a green lawn with a red lawn mower, symbolizing thank you notes from the good old days fading away. I hope being forced to keep a grass lawn will go away. Too many cities have laws about keeping your lawn under 6” or 4” or whatever. It is a barrier for people who want to segue their property to a more natural, lower maintenance form.

    BlueEyedSpiceJunkie , senivpetro Report

    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    we were just talking yesterday how gardens need to change because lawn uses too much water (besides being nearly useless for insects etc)

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    Usually, we perceive some things from the past, inevitably leaving with the change of generations, as nostalgic. Some old things, like analog devices, audio cassettes, vinyl records, and vintage slot machines - all these look very cool and authentic, but how applicable are they in real everyday life?

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    Especially since there are always modern things that do the same thing faster, better, and more efficiently. The same often applies to habits, customs, and traditions accepted in our society. It's far from certain that some of these traditions are really good and applicable today - it's enough to just look at them from a different angle.

    #7

    Person pouring tea from a vintage floral teapot into matching teacups during a nostalgic tea time with pastel desserts. The china industry. I don't know anyone under the age of 70 with fancy plates they keep locked up in a cupboard they bought just for those plates they never eat off--a hutch, it might be called?

    anon , freepik Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless everybody decides to stop using cups, mugs, bowls, plates, vases, eggcups, jugs, etc. etc. I think there's still a future in ceramic production. 'China' is more than just granny's Royal Doulton tea service with hand painted periwinkles.

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    #8

    Three men in biker vests and bandanas standing on a city street, evoking a vintage feel tied to thank you notes nostalgia. Clubs... Not nightclubs but community groups like the Rotary or Mason's. I'd love to be involved in such a thing but the current members are so d**n hostile to any young person who shows up while also b******g about how young people don't get involved. .

    mlo9109 , Romina Ordóñez Report

    DeShotz
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The BP photo selection for this one is unintentionally hilarious.

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    #9

    Overwater bungalows on clear turquoise water with a tropical island in the background, evoking nostalgia for thank you notes. Timeshares.

    Blackcatsandicedtea , icemanphotos Report

    Gordon
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it isn't timeshares, then it'll be some other Ponzi scheme..."There's a sucker born every minute and two to take him."

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    For example, the specific humor of previous decades, often dedicated exclusively to mocking vulnerable categories of people, filled and literally oozing with cynicism and sarcasm. It's enough to watch many comedies or stand-up shows from the end of the last century to just do one big facepalm.

    Humor on the verge of bullying, harsh and sometimes cruel - is this really something we'll be nostalgic for? More likely no than yes. Let's remember at least the series "How I Met Your Mother," the last episode of which was released in 2014 - many jokes there seem completely "on the edge of a foul," and sometimes beyond the pale. Well, and this was only a decade ago...

    #10

    Man and woman exchanging a wrapped gift by a decorated Christmas tree, highlighting thank you notes tradition fading away. Excessive holiday decor/ gift giving. I really hope that dies soon.

    I help people clean out their junk, & so much of it is brand new "gifts" that were never even opened. I really believe people would be happy without all the "stuff".

    Pearl-2017 , Nini FromParis Report

    SchadenFreudian Psychology
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A few years ago, I read somewhere that in Iceland, people all give each other books for Xmas, and then they spend the evening reading and eating chocolate. So now at Xmas, I pretend I’m Icelandic—I give my family and best friend a book and some high-end chocolate.

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    #11

    Black fax machine with handset and blank paper on a white desk, representing vintage communication from the good old days. Hopefully fax machines. Scan that s**t and send it on a PDF.

    Ever_More_Art , fabrikasimf Report

    Stephanie Did It
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Medical offices use them too. They're secure in that the message can't be intercepted or corrupted, and in both medical and legal fields that is very important.

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    #12

    Young man wearing headphones surprised while reading on tablet, illustrating nostalgia for thank you notes fading away. Streaming. Hear me out.

    The model is steadily moving toward *pay per use* rather than big subscription services. Can you imagine "renting" an album to listen to it? It's coming.

    And "buying the rights" to digital media isn't the solution either.

    Owning the physical is the only way forward.

    xradx666 , freepik Report

    Ellinor she/they/elle
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm part of the population that watch a tons of movie and series without ever paying for them. You just gotta find the right links and learn English in case you can't find content in your language.

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    The same can be said about parenting patterns. Yes, we can say that today's children can be ignorant and unruly compared to the '80s and '90s kids - and partly it's our parents' fault as we sometimes allow our offspring too much and make them kinda spoiled... but it is still definitely better than being cruel towards children, insulting them and never apologizing.

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    For example, according to data by The University of New Hampshire, from 1990 to 2007, substantiated cases of child physical a**se have declined 52%. Child neglect has declined only 6%, mostly fluctuating over the same period. Our society is still incredibly far from perfect, but we've definitely made some progress in the last decades here.

    #13

    Family celebrating birthday together, capturing moment with a selfie, reflecting the nostalgia of thank you notes fading away. Family reunions/family get togethers. The older generations of our family are the only ones ever organizing them. Us younger folks have bigger s**t to worry about and couldn’t care less about seeing our maga uncles and random cousins once removed.

    WorknOnMyNightCheese , freepik Report

    L Sarris
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this one is sad. I hope to still connect with family. Sure, maybe not with unknowns who happen to share a last name. But the family you were raised with, i don't want to lose those connections.

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    #14

    Person holding a thank you note with flowers in the background, symbolizing thank you notes from the past. Thank you notes.

    If I thank you in person upon opening said gift, why do I also need to write a note?

    But also, are we really only giving gifts to loved ones because we want a thank you? Like, you wouldn't just give someone something because they'd like it, and you want to give them a moment of joy? Weird take. I couldn't care less about receiving a thank you in about 97% of the situations in which I give or do something for someone else.

    redditer-56448 , rawpixel.com Report

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    #15

    Man in green suit buttoning jacket, symbolizing nostalgia for thank you notes fading from the good old days. Can we k**l suits and ties? i despise having to wear them. they are so uncomfortable, even if tailored. ties are the worst. "hey let's put a noose around our neck that hangs down." there are some stupid things, but d**n is a tie one of the most pointless fashion items out there.

    dewhashish , dusanpetkovic Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you don't like them, don't wear them. I like to look smart when I'm out and I have a dozen suits - all different - and maybe 50 ties, 20 tie pins and 100+ sets of cufflinks.

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    The same goes for clothing - in particular, acceptable options for everyday wear. For example, a classic men's suit, although it looks incredibly stylish (if you know how to wear it, of course), is still significantly inferior in terms of wearing comfort to regular jeans and a hoodie. The same can be said when comparing classic shoes and sneakers. Comfort and functionality win - and that's good, right?

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    #16

    A stressed boy covering his ears while parents discuss, illustrating changing family communication from thank you notes era. Emotionally immature parents.

    The world will be a better place when families can handle disagreements or harm without rug sweeping or boundary pushing.

    Personally, I’ll look forward to never seeing another boomer cry on a video about their kids not talking to them anymore.

    historyosilence , bearfotos Report

    Bored Sailor
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do not think I have sen a 70 to 80 year old make a crying video recently. Probably a little off on age but do not care.

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    #17

    Red first aid building with vintage wheelchair and stretcher outside under cloudy sky, representing thank you notes era fading away. First two things I thought of: Rural hospitals & fabric softener.

    Yeah, my brain is weird.

    HurtsCauseItMatters , EyeEm Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rural hospitals will be decimated due to the "Big Beautiful Bill. Even cities. Our hospital in Mt Pleasant Mich (pop 14000+/-) is in danger due to Medicaid cuts, can only imagine what a truly rural facility will face.

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    #18

    Woman at desk sneezing into tissue while working on laptop, highlighting the fading use of thank you notes in modern settings. Can we k**l the obligation to verbally acknowledge when someone has sneezed?

    Why? Why are you blessing me? I just had a reaction to some dust. It's not a big deal. Just ignore it and move on. I don't need your blessings.

    PintsOfGuinness_ , Drazen Zigic Report

    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to say "Gesundheit" when someone farts

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    No, of course, there are still many things that we'll inevitably be nostalgic for, and they will occasionally explode back into short-term trends, or form their own subcultures - as happened, for example, with vinyl records. But in this "good old world" there are also many things that we'll be actually happy to say goodbye to.

    So now please feel free to read this list to the very end, and maybe add your own thoughts on the topic in the comments below the post. Well, even if you don't agree with the original idea or someone's views - let's just discuss everything.

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    #19

    Couple happily preparing food together in kitchen, enjoying a moment that recalls the charm of thank you notes and old traditions. Dunno about cooking, Im the best cook in my family. Who needs grandma? The internet man! I have access to unlimited recipes.

    archercc81 , freepik Report

    JL
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm confused. The topic is "letting things from the past die out". Is this person advocating letting grandma die out? That's dark.

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    #20

    A diverse group gathered at a cemetery, mourning and holding flowers, reflecting on memories and thank you notes from the past. Funerals - how am I going to handle planning an event like this??? Also I don’t want one for myself and wouldn’t want my husband or kids to have to deal with any of that.

    HogBodyOdyOdyOdy , freepik Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the alternative is what? Leaving the body to rot where it died?

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    #21

    Group of elderly people sitting in living room, reading and knitting, reflecting on thank you notes and old traditions fading away. Senior homes. Don't get me wrong, I think they will be there forever. But I think the mentality changed and more and more will just opt out before going there. I'm talking about the senior home where you are mostly mentally and physically impaired, not the retirement home where you still have a good quality of life.

    Brayongirl , pressmaster Report

    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In other words you are referring to "Nursing homes" and "Assisted living" facilities. Unless you have a relative willing to lift you out of bed, take you to the toilet, bathe you, feed you, humans will always need these facilities when they get to the point they cannot care for themselves. I sure hope they are still around! I just wish we had a socialist system that would help us low income people afford them.

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    #22

    Two girls sitting on a couch watching TV at night, highlighting simple pleasures from the good old days and thank you notes era. Broadcast TV. Everything will eventually roll over to streaming, no more OTA signal.

    OwnConversation1010 , freepik Report

    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope not. Life is getting expensive as is without another bill I have to pay.

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    #23

    Greeting cards and thank you notes displayed on a store shelf, highlighting nostalgic paper communication items. Cards. For birthdays, anniversaries, holidays etc. Other than Christmas cards, I don't know anyone under 50 who sends cards.

    Though thank you cards should still be a thing for major events like weddings, and baby showers.

    PinkHamster08 , Nonnadee Grant Report

    Hannah
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm under 50 and ALWAYS send cards.

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    #24

    Vintage Golden Corral sign representing thank you notes nostalgia from the good old days fading away soon Golden Corral.

    Thick_Maximum7808 , rob_rob2001 Report

    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last time we ate at one, the food was like high school institutional food prepared by reheating bad canned food.

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    #25

    Three children with closed eyes and clasped hands, reflecting on gratitude and thank you notes from the good old days. Well church isn’t going anywhere. Gen z has turned into a pretty religious generation especially on the men side.

    Gurganus88 , freepik Report

    SchadenFreudian Psychology
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope OP is wrong. Here in the U.S., churches are causing a lot of problems.

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