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“Back in my day, we had to actually call each other on the phone if we wanted to talk!”

“Back in my day, we used to write each other letters on paper!”

“Back in my day, we used to meet each other in person, not on this gosh darn internet!”

If you’ve ever heard someone lamenting the way technology has changed society (perhaps you’ve even said these things yourself), know that you’re not alone. Reddit users have recently been sharing the things they stand by doing the old-fashioned way, regardless of technology, and they've raised some excellent points.

Down below, you’ll find a list of things proving that newer might not always mean better, as well as an interview we were lucky enough to receive from William A., the man who sparked this conversation in the first place. To celebrate all of the things that are best done the old-school way, be sure to upvote the responses you agree with, and feel free to share anything else you like doing the old-fashioned way in the comments section. Then if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article highlighting what else was better in the past, look no further than right here.

#1

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Physical menus at restaurants. I'm with the boomers on this one

cptfuzzybeard95 , Terje Sollie Report

Nothing beats fresh, home-baked bread, and AI will never be able to create masterpieces that true artists can. As grateful as I am that cell phones exist, I have to admit there are certain things I prefer doing the old-fashioned way as well. For example, I love my simple, old school watch. It does have a digital screen, but all it tells me is the date and time. No frills, no internet access, no tracking my steps, and no charging required. I already feel too plugged into the world with my phone on hand at all times. The last thing I need is notifications on my watch as well.

I also find that I prefer listening to music through classic old earbuds with a cord on them. I never need to remember to charge bluetooth earbuds, I don’t have to worry about one falling out while I’m on the bus or rushing down the street, and they are so much more affordable when they occasionally need replaced. These are just my personal preferences, but I am definitely of the opinion that there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken. And if a newer way of doing something does not enhance your experience or costs you an arm and a leg, there is no need to transition to that method. 

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#2

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Read. Love to have a book where I can turn the pages.

Jonsmile , Vincenzo Malagoli Report

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Birgit M
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read my favourite books over and over again and I like the idea of them growing old and wrinkly with me

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#3

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread I don’t need alexa to turn on s**t for me and i don’t need to clap lights on

I can walk allllll the way over to the switch

cray63527 , Anete Lusina Report

To gain more insight on this topic, we reached out to William A., the man who posed the initial question on Reddit in the first place. When it comes to what inspired him to start this conversation, William told Bored Panda, “I cannot stand taking notes for work meetings or brainstorming while typing. It's not that I'm against typing or a computer--I have a medium blog after all. It's just that for spur of the moment, or any writing that needs thought, I prefer a notebook.”

“I realized that when I was at the grocery store, and I seemed to be the only one with a paper list,” William shared. “And while I'm not young, young, I'm not that old.” He noted that he’s only 40, an “upper millennial”. “Also I don't ‘get’ TikTok, which is scary as someone with a professional background in social media,” William added. To be fair, TikTok is hard to get. I’m Gen Z, and I don’t even fully understand that app…

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#4

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Physical board games/card games. Most of the app versions of the games I like aren't that great. Plus, it's more fun to play with someone.

Junkolm , Marin Tulard Report

#5

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread I honestly prefer buying things completely instead of paying a monthly fee.

Pixel_Human , energepic.com Report

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$cagsy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The way it's looking, everything's gonna be subscription-based soon. At the supermarket: Just £99.99 a month for our Poverty Package or you could upgrade to our Hint of Meat Package for £149.99 which includes a generous 5 grams of processed meat each week! This is the future.

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#6

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Physical buttons for climate controls in a car. I refuse to buy a car that only uses a touch screen for everything. Much safer to not have to fiddle with a touch screen while driving.

Ghertomp , Victoria Ouarets Report

But it turns out that William does prefer to do most things the modern way. “Memory retention is better with writing notes I find, and it seems to bring inspiration,” he told Bored Panda. “I like the tactile feedback of writing too. The reason I latch onto this as one of the old fashioned things I do, is because I'm all the way in on tech on other things.”

“For example, I'm all about ebooks. I'm all about reading comics on a tablet. I'm all about Uber and ridesharing,” William explained. “I'm all about texting--I try to avoid phone conversations, and if I'm on one for more than 10 minutes I start to get uncomfortable. I'm even okay with digital/mobile menus at restaurants that many complain about! I use apps/Google calendar for reminders, etc. It's just the note taking, brainstorming/goal planning and grocery lists that I like on paper.”

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#7

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread I print photos and keep them in photo albums. I like to keep the special moments of life as a book and go through it page by page.

SuvenPan , cottonbro Report

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Sarah Parker
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So much nicer to sit with someone looking through a physical album rather than a phone screen

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#8

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Buy music. Unfortunately buying cds just isn't as easy as it used to be. But I prefer physical media, and just convert it to digital. I hate streaming music. I don't trust the stuff I love to always be available. I like having ownership of what I listen to

jbnagis , freestocks.org Report

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The crushinator
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an older car that still has a cd player so i buy cd's from thriftshops and fleamarkets and my SO and I go driving and listen to the albums, it's so great! I just bought 10 albums for €10,-! And good stuff too, I got SOAD, Jamiroqai, Tracy Chapman, Janis Joplin etc. It took me forever to find one of those multi cd sleeve thingeys though, those seem to have dissapeared completely :p

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#9

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Given the choice between phone and laptop, I'll use the laptop for everything.

W-S_Wannabe , Christin Hume Report

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Mayra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, but I’d rather drop a phone on my face while scrolling in bed…imagine a laptop

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We were also curious what William’s reactions were to the responses on his Reddit post. He noted that not very many resonated with him, as he is typically pro-tech, but he did find some of the replies interesting.  “Someone mentioned buying things instead of a monthly fee which I found interesting,” William shared. “It's a philosophical question--if you are experiencing something and it's good, or something is adding value to your life, does it matter if you own it, if the enjoyment or utility is the same anyway?”

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“Someone else said given a choice between phone and laptop, they'd use the laptop for everything,” he added. “I'm 40, and it's frightening how quickly computers/PCs have been superseded by phones. It's like you sound or look ancient if you are using a desktop computer or laptop now.”

#10

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Make notes on paper. I will typically use index cards because they are not as easy to "fly away" or get crumpled or lost. But hey.... that's just me!

NoBSforGma , Pixabay Report

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indiecognition
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The notebook is not just a type of computer. Pocket-size, letter/A4, etc are all great with a nice, smooth pen.

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#11

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Wear an analog watch. It's so easy just to glance at your wrist instead of fiddling around with your phone to get the time.

biggirliespants , Andrea Natali Report

#12

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread I still use an old school calendar. I like looking at the entire month and being able to just “write” and not have to keyboard from my ipad or iphone. We do use the google calendar for family stuff so we are all on the same page for activities, work, babysitting etc. Each has its purpose

CrossroadsTarot , Behnam Norouzi Report

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scagsy77 avatar
$cagsy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed! You can see at a glance how soon you need to start faking illness so you don't have to go.

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One response that actually did resonate with William is the love for driving manual cars. “Manual cars are a joy to drive, and GenZers and younger millennials have no idea what they're missing,” he told Bored Panda. “But that's if one actually enjoys driving and doesn't look at it as a chore to get from point A to point B. I learned as a teen on manual. I'm car-less now, have been for 5 years, but last car I had was a VW2014 CC-R Line, and it was one of the only consumer cars available as manual at the time, outside of the sports enthusiast cars.”

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#13

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread In-person checkouts.
I don't know why but I just hate those automated self-checkouts.

Fire2xdxd , sq lim Report

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Mabelbabel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I've tried an automated check out, something has gone wrong. Either an item needs a member of staff for age validation, or something doesn't scan, or it doesn't like the way I've put the basket on one side, or the way I've put the carrier bag on the other side. So every time the alarm goes off and a member of staff has to come over and fiddle with something. It's slower, more frustrating and the waiting time for a free machine is just the same as a manned checkout desk, so I've given up.

scagsy77 avatar
$cagsy
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*UNEXPECTED ITEM* What were you expecting? This is a supermarket full of things that supermarkets sell. How can you not be expecting baked beans? Imagine if a cashier did that. 'Sorry sir, I wasn't expecting cornflakes. I thought you were gonna have muesli, see? You'll have to wait while I get a supervisor. She'll be here in a minute to coax me back to work. Confused me, that. '

misscakeninja avatar
Mayra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually really like self checkouts, I don’t need check out clerks judging the amount of snacks I’m buying

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Bob La Capra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I for one like self-service checkouts because they never open your shampoo, smell it, and approve of your choice. I was absolutely dumbstruck when she did that. I was very glad I didn't buy anything from the deli.

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kim morris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We call them the 'put people out of work' lines. We refuse to use them.

jessgunn77 avatar
JessG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll tell you the same things I tell my dad...refusing to use them is counterproductive and won't eliminate them; it's just the way the shopping experience is evolving. Did you also refuse to pump your own gas once it became self service? Have you ever ordered something online? Who's job do you think you eliminated? That's the same principle. Less than a hundred years ago shoppers weren't allowed to pick their own items off the shelf, shopping was a full service experience, but since customers prefer to shop for themselves, there was no longer a need for that job. Jobs are created at the same rate jobs are eliminated, it's just evolution, plain and simple, and as long as customers want convenience and to do things for themselves, automated services will never go away

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Leila
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I very seldom use self-checkouts. I want cashiers to keep their jobs. Also, the money they save does not get passed down to consumers.

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Dirk Sanchez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't stand talking to shop staff. Self checkout for me please

smythers00 avatar
RJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, it's not that I can't stand talking to shop staff... it's that I'm a bit of a misanthrope and my social filters have degraded to a point where it's probably just better if I can avoid a conversation about anything, lest I say something stupid or ignorant.

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Mystery Egg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I avoid the self service check outs like the plague. I hate them.

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jessgunn77 avatar
JessG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You ever ordered something online? Who's pay did you take away? Besides, imagine all the jobs created to maintain and service the self checkouts, or to develop the software, or to install them, or write the training manual...the point is, people still get paid, and boycotting them won't stop progress

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ravenswood1000
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My bet is that self checkout doesn't make the groceries even one cent cheaper... If we are paying for service, give it to us. And don't forget to bag the stuff as well....

tduenkel avatar
Tim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Savings aren't passed to the consumer. They're pocketed by the company.

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Adam Zad
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would sooner slather my body in honey and stake myself to an anthill than use a self-checkout. I refuse to do their job, unpaid, so they can avoid paying a person a salary, contributing to the economy, and just line their executives pockets at my expense.

dc1 avatar
DC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate all those self-checkouts and vending machines and the like ... I mean, somebody makes a living in doing what these do. This should not be taken away, instead, the wages should be high enough to provide a decent life on this. We will eventually understand that in extincting those jobs, we don't do anyone a favor but some greedy rich dudes who have enough already and shouldn't be what we're worried about. They're fine anyway.

joann-f avatar
Jo Firth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate automated checkouts because for every one you see, someone lost a job. AND I don't receive a discount for doing the work supermarkets employ (less) people to do.

idrow1 avatar
idrow1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the 'go do it yourself' approach to checking out. I should get a percentage off my purchase if I'm doing your work for you. Plus it's a hassle. I'd take a check out person when possible every time.

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Odile Wipp
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Automated checkouts mean people are being replaced. We try not to use them out of principle. And also, they almost always have a problem.

camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I maintain, I do not want to use self check outs. I don’t work there. If you’re gonna put me to work, drop your prices because obviously you don’t want to pay cashiers anymore.

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LynzCatastrophe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My rule for this isn't so much that's taken away someone's job, it's more "this was a job, someone did it for money, now I'm doing it for free." So my reasons for not using them is pure laziness, I admit I'm not being paid to do this job, I already have one."

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simply.Taz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree! I'm spending my money in their store and they want to make me do their job? NOPE!!

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FABULOUS1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So not only do we have to check ourselves out they have also increased the cost of mostly everything in stores. So they have figured out a way to screw us over twice for each visit.

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Microwaved Robot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that stores that have self check-outs should be offering those that use them a % discount.

smi avatar
S Mi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be cool if we had built a world where few people needed service Industry jobs. Until then, the grocery store can pay someone to scan my groceries

jessgunn77 avatar
JessG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but, when I have 10 items or less, self checkout is WAY faster. I hardly ever have issues, and the chance for that is about as much as at a regular cashier. Not to mention, I can bag the stuff with fewer bags (when I forget my own) and how I want. Also, the attendants are always near by if you need them, and the only time there is ever a line, is at peak times when lines are inevitable. It's just more convenient period

hard2guesss avatar
explainyourself avatar
Ross Warren
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing like doing their job for them for no money, but at least there's no awkward small talk.

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cb !!!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually disagree with this one only because of my intense social anxiety, it's far easier to check out on my own and deal with an occasional finicky machine than talk to a stranger.

katmin avatar
Kat Min
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They take FOREVER!!!!! And God forbid you are doing a large shop.

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Wysteria_Rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't mind it as much if you were able to receive a discount for doing it. You technically are doing the work for them.

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Donkey boi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My local supermarket trialled a facial recognition programme for age restricted items on the self service checkouts. They scraped the idea after some local teenage girls realised they could just hold their hair in front of their face and it would register as a beard.

jabonner avatar
Frando Bone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah they are ridiculous. Sadly 3 supermarkets in my area have gone to all self-checkout. But the funny thing is they have the same number of cashiers around to help everyone at the self-checkout LOL

smythers00 avatar
RJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Self Checkouts are like Cilantro. You either love it, or you stand in line for the in-person cashier to and watch the scanner/screen like a hawk to ensure you are in fact buying Curly Parsley and not Cilantro.

atkinsdan avatar
Daniel Atkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then they program them funny When they first came to Wal Mart someone programmed it so that raw bacon was considered fragile and had to be removed from the bagging area before continuing.

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Baali Venomax
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless its one item, there's no queue and im in a hurry, I will always use the in person ones

hard2guesss avatar
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Becky Samuel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you refuse to do any online shopping? Or to buy anything that was manufactured by a machine? Job markets move on, they always have done. This is not necessarily a bad thing.

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Channon Doughty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are insulting, that's why. If they want you to do someone's job, they should be paying us with a discount. Otherwise, no way. Not going to use it

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Catte West
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a fan of self checkout, but given a choice of getting out the door or waiting behind six people, I'll just do it myself.

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Alice In_Hell
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely refuse to use these. 1. It puts folks out of work. 2. I am a huge germaphobe and they dont clean those screens and I just cannot touch them. I had a cashier ask me to use a self checkout once but ..and I am not one of 'those' people but it had to be cleaned or she had to ring it through for me...she did my self checkout herself. I have a serious germaphobe issue, since before covid...I can get bad anxiety and be almost in tears if I have to actually touch something and not have water and soap right there to wash right away. It makes my life hell and I dont like it, but alas...here I am...and I use hand sanitizer ALOT when I am out and about but it's just not the same as soap and water. Absolutley ridiculous, I know.

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Tim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If there's a bagger, then yes, an in person check out is better. But if I have to bag my own stuff, then nah.

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Lane Bass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is one I disagree with. The simple fact is, I'm more efficient than most of the clerks. Plus I can use less bags and keep my stuff organized.

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CanidaeVulpes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Self checkout, unless you know you’re still going to have to ask for help (e.g. alcohol, medicines, produce)

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Lynn Morello
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer to keep that extra one person employed, so it is to the Check out chick I go.

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Cin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in retail, so I naturally prefer in-person.

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The Veil of Fire
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm cool checking my own stuff if its just one bag full. Like the old 10 items or less lines. I prefer full check out. I'm ok with helping to bag the items, however, i'd like to see baggers come back as well. My feelings on this have nothing to do with putting people to work (which is great) but more to do with personal convenience and added customer service. Going grocery shopping now feels very off putting and troubling. Going shopping in the past was more pleasant and relaxing. No wonder I prefer delivery.

circular-motion avatar
Mer☕️🧭☕️
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The store does not pay me to work for them so why would I work for them for free?

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Leesa DeAndrea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not me! I prefer the self-checkout. That way I know my items are bagged the way I want and no polite chitchat required. Plus I keep my distance from all the carriers.

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SirWriteALot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on the queue and on how much I'm buying. Also, if alcohol is involved you'll need someone to swipe their card and "okay" your buying booze.

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Elizabeth Butler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will NOT use a self-checkout. They just reduce the cashier jobs and hours for people.

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Oddly Me
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Self checkouts p**s me off because I am being made to be a cashier, and a bagger, and I'm not even an employee, nor do I receive a discount. With the price of groceries, some having gone up in price <100%, the LEAST they could do is ring up my items, and bag them!!!

evelyn_haskins_7 avatar
Evelyn Haskins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will NOT use a self-serve checkout unless the shop gives me a pretty good discount for doing it

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Dee Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like talking with a real person and not just cussing at a stupid machine. Also: 2) jobs, and 3) may be the only social interaction of the week for many seniors!

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I already know I'll be doing my own bagging, so if I have to ring my stuff up on top of bagging, I want a discount, otherwise the store's getting away with free labor. I have my ways...

billmarsano avatar
bill marsano
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Manned checkouts provide job; automated checkouts kill job. OK, they're hardly the greatest of job, but they still represent paychecks, dignity and self-respect. And if you get a particularly nice or helpful or efficient cashier? Compliment! And check your receipt--it may provide a like so you can give the cashier what might become a career-boosting compliment.

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Stranger-Has Candy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I adamantly refused to use self-checkouts until I noticed cashiers have no idea how to properly bag groceries anymore. I’d much rather ring up my own items and bag them myself than have to try to refrain from calling someone a moron for putting liquid hand soap in the same bag as raw meat.

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sofacushionfort
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have to be age-verified by store staff for US alcohol purchases. But with facial recognition software, they could just see “if this guy isn’t over 21, he should still get booze to make his ugly life bearable.”

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Jay TheSaltLord
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless whatever shop I'm in is going to pay me, I will never use automated check outs.

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Lily Mae Kitty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

stores need to hire more people and pay them better. walmart can afford cashiers and they can afford to pay them a living wage.

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Ivy la Sangrienta
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I love them. The less I have to interact with humans the better.

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Mary Ellen Yarusso
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The self check outs are slower than regular check outs and apps on smartphones slow things down

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devotedtodreams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since self-checkouts became a thing, I use them whenever I can. It's much faster, and you don't need to wait for the person in front of you to - in the worst case - fiddle around with their coins. Also, I really like to keep to myself, so that's another point in the machines' favor. Granted, sometimes I run into trouble at the self-checkout too, but at the end of the day, I love 'em. Also, I wonder if perhaps the rise of these self-checkouts doesn't necessarily always mean someone loses their job, but perhaps gets reassigned to a different assignment?

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Kelly Martin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn’t mind the self checkout if they gave me a discount but since they don’t, I don’t mind waiting in the full service line.

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IrinaChr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i dont mind automated checkouts, but hey, each time i buy a bottle of wine it needs approval from the member of staff, im a grown up woman, i really dont like to disturb anyone with my alcohol shopping, i understand there is a reason for this procedure, but still grrrrrrrrrrr

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Elio
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want my paycheck for being a cashier at various supermarkets when I had to use self-checkout. It's just a way for stores to get more money for less value and to hire less people. So I found it super hilarious when I read that self-checkout can cause a loss because people will do things like ring up apples as less expensive apples.

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Whitefox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have social anxiety issues and I like the ability to just check myself out. I don't have to wait for the chatty Cathy in front of me to finish her social time with the clerk or the inevitable price check.. I just go, do my thing and get the heck out. I feel that having both options available is good. My local store limits purchases to 15 items at the self checkout to keep it moving along.

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Robin DJW
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Self-checkout is great for 10 or fewer items that don't have to be weighed. Otherwise, I am in the real checker line.

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Seedy Vine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A cashier in Los Angeles once called me a b!tch for asking for another grocery bag (I had a ton of stuff and was walking, not driving) so I kind of love automated self-checkouts now!

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WritingSatyr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the automated self-checkouts, partly because I don't speak French very well (Switzerland) and partly because I don't like talking to people. I've become rather good at them.

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Julie Schulz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the self-checkouts because I always end up in the line with the person who either 1) questions the price on every single item or 2) writes an actual check (seriously, WTF people!) so self-checkout is faster for me, however, I do not like that they take away jobs so I try to use an actual checkout line if there's one open and the self-checkout only if there is a line.

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Cuppa tea?
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are temperamental. For this reason I stopped shopping in stores where self checkout for 5 items tooks longer than waiting on line. Now I only go to stores where I know self checkout works fine.

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Alana Voeks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends. If I have, like, a handful of stuff I'm buying, I'll self checkout. If I have a cart, hell no

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Big Chungus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am ok with self-checkout but that is the introvert in me saying it

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Christof Irran
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know people who didn't want to set foot in a grocery store (but, alas, had to unless they had someone who did it for them) until self-checkouts came along. They believed those to be god's gift to introverts. Not me, though; I need my social contacts even at the store, but I would love to find a hair stylist who doesn't talk while cutting my hair.

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#14

Wired headphones. I don't have to charge them and I can use them during flights.

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Firstname Lastname
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a person with shallow pockets, if my butt forces my phone out while I'm walking, the cord of my headphones usually prevents it from smashing to the ground.

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#15

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Physical buttons on most things.

I understand how touch screens and trackpads are more flexible, but I really enjoy the tactile sensation, the certainty that you definitely pressed the right button.

The extra sensation that allows you to more precisely press buttons, and the ability to press buttons with things besides your bare finger, like a gloved finger or your knuckle because you're holding something, and probably a few other things I can't think of right now.

Quazimojojojo , James Sutton Report

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Chich
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The volume control in the car NEEDS to be a k**b. (WTF, k n o b is now offensive???)

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“Some of the ones that did NOT resonate with me at all are the huge number of responses that preferred physical books, though that's a common answer,” William shared. “I don't want to pile up books in my home, or have to carry a book around. An ebook is weight-less! Or paying with cash--why? Money to lose, money to have to put in your pocket, something extra to think about.”

#16

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Drawing. I never really got the hang of digital art. It's much easier and more satisfying for me to have all of the tactile input from my work. Also, I sew, and along the same lines I prefer to hand-draft patterns.

WitheredFlowers , cottonbro Report

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Jon Clingenpeel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Using digital art can be fun to a point, but it’s so hard for it to mimic that feeling or texture with pencil, charcoal, brush on paper or canvas. Sure you can turn out more art and fix mistakes or “happy accidents” (if you know you know lol) on the screen buts it’s not the same in my opinion

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#17

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread There’s something satisfying and nostalgic about seeing the physical photos. I have my favorites displayed in frames, so I can see them every day. Makes me happy.

Gbrown546 , Ekrulila Report

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suprstarsaturn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is why i love polariods i like to have something to keep and look back on

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#18

Tap water is still pretty great; just keep some in the fridge and it's all you need. F**k your bottled water.

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JoJo Anisko
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not all tap water is created equally. Mine has a distinct odor and taste. I doubt it will kill me, but at least during summer, I want bottled wayer.

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“I actually have not tried to do more things the old-fashioned way,” William shared. “I'm all in on the principle of minimalism and decluttering, both physical and mental. I don't like having ‘stuff’--especially unnecessary stuff--to have to see or think about. I'm so strict about this that even my color palette in my office is all neutrals plus one color. My clothes are all neutral, with some purple--but other than that, all neutral. I like to automate about 85% of everything I do or think about, and then be very deliberate and/or guilt-free and unapologetic about that 15%.”

#19

Cooking. I prefer to make meals from scratch. Not all of these pre made powders and dressings.

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#20

Going out to eat without our phones. Leave them in the car or in a purse or something. There's very little reason to have a phone attached to you at all times. Put down the phone and pick up a conversation.

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U r lovely and beautiful 🫶️‍
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have my phone with me always because you actually don’t know what could happen while out. It just makes me feel safer but I’m not checking it constantly and always on it

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#21

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Writing letters. And I still love the feeling of reading a physical book, although I do also use audiobooks/psfs/ect now too.

But the smell of an old book and the crinkly pages and when it's a well loved story? Asdfdaa

LittleBrattyLeeLee , Álvaro Serrano Report

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U r lovely and beautiful 🫶️‍
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The smell and the crinkly pages…. ahhhhhhh. And writing physical letters is real helpful especially when a friend moves away when you don’t have a number or email. My mate moved several hours up north and she didn’t have messages or email so physical letters

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“Life changes so much, and I have a high tolerance for uncertainty and change,” William told Bored Panda. “Yet I like to keep an anchor to being old-fashioned. Another version of this is how in every area in the local DC area that I've lived in, I try to keep a connection. I kept my dentist in the area where I grew up, I have a barber in a different neighborhood that I lived in. I keep those links, but then I change everything else."

"I see the principle of being all in with technology to simplify our lives as being along the lines of how Obama famously limits his daily decisions because his daily cognitive budget is limited. We can all suffer from decision fatigue having to think of all these little things. Being all in on tech can help remove many many other smaller decisions,” William noted. “But then, that wistful, romantic, sentimental part of me will hang on to just that one old-fashioned thing. Hello shopping list, and note taking with good old pen and paper. You cannot call me a robot now,” he added with a smile.

#22

shopping in person. I usually read reviews of an item online and buy it in person. The problem is, here in Canada you can't find anything decent in person anymore, everything but the most basic stuff is only online

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Headless Roach
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's also a great way of supporting local shop owners, invaluable during difficult times.

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#23

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread I try to raise, grow, hunt, and forage as much as my own food as possible. It's expensive and time consuming but the result for my mental health is priceless. I know my scale isn't possible for everyone but i highly recommend atleast growing something from seed to plate, the sence of pride and accomplishment you'll feel is hard to describe.

ElJamoNator , Markus Spiske Report

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$cagsy
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a bit of a raiser, grower, hunter, forager myself. So far I have raised a puppy (we couldn't eat him when it came down to it), grown a collection of thistles, hunted for my keys and foraged for loose change down the sofa. My mental health is sh!t. What am I doing wrong? I must be doing something wrong.

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#24

Shifting gears.
I know automatics have taken over and stickshift is going the way of the dodo, but I'll always prefer a stick any day of the week.
If you know when to shift and what gears you can cruise in for each road condition, you'll always get better mileage than an auto.
That's why I can get up to 34mpg in my brother's challenger.
Also, a clutch swap is cheaper and easier than a full auto rebuild.
Sure manual trans failures do happen, but it's far less common than automatic failures.

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Hugo Farr
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a dedicated manual shift driver. I feel like I have more control than with an automatic. I have been driving for decades and can now make a super-smooth shift almost every time. People who have been a passenger in my car say there are surprised that they can’t tell when I am shifting unless they see my hand move. And there isn't as much shifting as you might think. I skip gears all the time depending on the situation. I have done this so many times that it is a habit now and I don't even have to think about it. Also, if you get stuck in snow, it is often possible to use the clutch pedal and gas pedal to rock the car back and forth until you get out of the stuck spot.

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How are you feeling about technology now? Is this list inspiring you to start trying more things the old-fashioned way, or has it reminded you how happy you are that technology and innovations exist to make your life simpler? There is nothing wrong with adapting to changing times, but if the newest way of doing something just does not suit you, feel free to fall back on your old-school ways. Keep upvoting the responses that resonate with you or that raised points you had not previously considered, and feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments. Then if you want to check out another Bored Panda article highlighting what might have been even better in the past, look no further than right here.  

#25

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Cooking using firewoods. It gives more aromatic flavor to your food

IshigamiiiIchigo4u , Gonzalo Guzman Report

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Headless Roach
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It also introduces more aromatic cancerogenic potential to your food. Everything in moderation 🙃

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#26

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Crafty stuff in general, but in particular, sewing. Hand sewing is peaceful, quiet, portable, and just overall more satisfying. Plus I get better bragging rights on the finished product.

carinavet , Wallace Chuck Report

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CatFist
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel the same about making chainmail (or maille for the purists/pendants). Sure, you can buy it factory made and, though not necessarily cheap, the comparitive price when you count how many hours it takes to make a full suit might make it literally 1 in 100-1000 times cheaper, there's nothing like being able to say, "Yes, I hand coiled and connected every single one of these rings."

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#27

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Dating.

I feel online dating robs us of the best things of meeting new people, the thrill you get when you catch someone eyeing you a couple of times and the excitement of approaching, the fun of rejection, because it can be funny to be rejected, and the hotness of seducing each other escalating towards pleasure and the joy of meeting someone you can build a future with

None of that can be provided by dating apps, it's like cheap porn, you see an image that shakes your loins and swipe.

That's boring.

NosoyPuli , Tirachard Kumtanom Report

#28

Still listen to radio in the car. No podcasts, playlists, etc.

I have a decent commute in a heavily populated area so I listen for the local traffic report every fifteen minutes, and their general talk radio in between.

-CrustyTaint- Report

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RafCo (he/him)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I listen to NPR for the news. My personal favorite is BBC World Service. Razia Iqbal doesn't take s**t during interviews.

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#29

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Not sure if this counts, but I grind my coffee by hand and use a simple brewing method (either chemex or french press) to make it.

I think having full control over the process leads to better tasting coffee than I get with any automatic machine. Also, having a ritual that I do every morning and takes a little elbow grease helps kickstart my day.

NebXan , Ashkan Forouzani Report

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Alana Voeks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't matter if it's an electric grinder or a manual one, the fact you're grinding the beans at home, instead of them being ground months earlier and losing their potency, will make better coffee

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#30

"I'm With The Boomers On This One": 30 Old-Fashioned Things People Still Enjoy Doing, As Shared On This Online Thread Math.

I tried to improve it with a class a couple of years back, and I had to answer it in a word file, using some addon to make the formulas.

It takes forever. On paper it's just scribble scribble, calculator, answer.

Sirupswaffel , Louis Bauer Report

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