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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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$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.

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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
Community Member
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.

yParticle Report

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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.

anon Report

#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.

SkydivingSquid 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

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

Dynamic_Rigidity Report

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

Same. Most people don’t know I have a 6 speed. Especially being a woman. I had my last car special ordered to be manual. My sis is the same. I’ll be driving stick until my knees stop working , lol

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

This is very US centric. Automatics are only really driven by the disabled or long distance sales reps in Europe. I read somewhere that over 90% of cars in the US are automatics, whereas 90% are manual in Europe. Having driven both I have to say manual is much better. More fun. More responsive. Better economy. But automatics are easier. Which is why in the UK you can drive an automatic and only an automatic if you take your driving test in one, but if you take it in a manual car you’re licensed to drive both.

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

You're right. I learned to drive on a manual. I miss them, you have more control. But they are hard to find especially if You are buying used

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

Manual cars are the norm in the UK, it seems that the US has a thing about automatic cars!

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

They are rare in most countries of the world. And they aren't really predominant everywhere except in the USA

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

Using the clutch pedal keeps the muscles around my kneecap strong, preventing the knee from dislocating so often - totally worth it.

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

I’ve never had an automatic, it’s not the norm in the UK

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

The CVT pretty much eliminated the fuel efficiency benefit of manual. Not the most common automatic transmission though

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

Not in my country. 90% of people still drive manual here. You can't get a normal driving license if you can't drive a manual.

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

For winter driving manual makes a huge difference. For going up and down hills covered in ice rain, sleet or snow gearing down is much more controllable than even gently trying to brake. Credentials: driving to work 200 km a day in Ontario winters, with seldom a day off because of snowstorms. Yeah also I love manual.

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

I'm in the UK and my personal car is a manual. However I do travel frequently for work for which I'm given a hire car and in those situations I opt for an auto. Simply being autos are great if the bulk of your travel is just long motorway journeys. However when driving around my home city, with narrow streets and sharp bends, I feel a manual gives far better control.

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Just a ray of f'ing sunshine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen to that! Everyone thinks I'm crazy for purposely seeking out a stick when I buy a new car. Rumor is that here in California they are going to quit selling them here in the next few years...

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

Well, isn't California going all electric vehicles by like 2026 or 2028? I don't imagine those are manuals.

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

So disappointed the new Toyota don't have a manual option. Gonna go ahead and restore a vintage bummer instead.

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

I still drive a manual car, not interested in buying an automatic.

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

So hard to find manuals. Have a 09 mini with stick hate to think what I'd have to go through to get a manual today. for the mini I would walk onto a car lot and ask "you folks got any manuals?" If the sales person looks dumbfounded I would turn around and drive off.

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

Most Brits grow up with manual gear boxes, but I've currently got an automatic, just cos I liked the car when I was in the market for a new (second hand). But I think I could probably still go back to a manual the next time, drove one for so many years

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

When I was a kid, I read a news story about a guy and his wife who went hunting. Guy got badly injured and needed a hospital ASAP. He died in the woods, because they had driven up in car with a stick and the wife didn’t know how to drive it. Always scared me, but there were very few manual cars around by the time I learned how to drive. So I never learned, something I regret.

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

You save gas if you drive with foresight ... you can hit the clutch to coast and slowly slow down instead of applying the brakes ... an automatic doesn't know what you're up to so it'll always be "ready"

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

I was talking to my insurance company one day and they asked me if I had an alarm system in my vehicle. I asked them if having a stick shift counted as anti-theft

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

One of our cars is manual. My brother literally giggled when I asked him to drive it for me as a favor. (hubs was in the hospital)

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

Nope, automatic all the way. Way more comfortable and you don´t need to think about putting in the right gear, no stalling at red lights, no worrys about hand-feet-coordination, just push down the gas pedal and go, such bliss...

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

Learned how to drive manual as a farm kid and only drove manual thereafter. I think it's safer because there's less chance of distraction, and you need to one with your vehicle, always listening to what it's saying.

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

Had nothing but manual shifts from 1978 to 2006. But they daily commute of stop and go, hills included, wore me out on that. You'll get there too, especially if you used your legs and knees a lot in your youth.

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

Better gas mileage is no longer a thing. Even Ferrari is switching to automatics because there is no advantage to a manual. You just like having a hard shaft in your hand.

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

I'm fully manual. Looking for a newer ride that is manual and they are just hard to find.

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

My dad can drive a manual and an automatic after serving in the military and I’m not sure about my mum. She can drive one of the two I know that for sure - I believe a manual ? 🤔

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

If she can drive a manual she can almost certainly drive an automatic, the only issue I’ve ever had switching from manual to automatic was my left foot pressing the floor expecting the clutch to be there =P

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

I made my kids learn to drive a standard shift. It's one of those little life skills that you might need someday.

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

Say what you want, but my 2005 Civic transmission has never had a single issue. My 1997 Tercel stick had both the clutch wear out, and the clutch master cylinder fail. You aren't going to get 15+ years from a clutch, period.

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

I'm too short to reach the clutch and push it all the way to the floor. It's an automatic for me.

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

I loved driving a stick-shift. But an automatic is definitely better when drinking coffee on school trips. #priorities 😉

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Doug the Special one
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I drive both and in some parts o England an auto is better than a manual and vice versa. Horses or courses. Sorry some words don't look right as I am missing the letter in between e and g.

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

It also easier to squeal the tires off. Lol Love it. They are hard to find anymore.

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Kevin J. Henning
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've driven manual cars for years and have never had a problem with the transmission or clutch needing repair. It makes me wonder if the manual transmissions are built better and last longer.

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

I know how to drive a manual but manual vehicles and I have a hate-hate relationship so I stick to automatics. Also, I don't like having to shift all the time while driving around town. Much better to just put the vehicle in drive and go.

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

... milage and transmission aren't in the classical position anymore. When automatic had the same number of gears, or one or two less, the automatic in every condition needed more gasoline. You get away with less gear ratios because the clutch of an automatic isn't just a clutch, but can increase torque when having serious slip (... only know the german words - "Wandlerüberhöhung", meaning that torque-out exceeds torque-in, while RPM out is decreased of course ... sparing you the first gear, in most applications). But, as numbers grew to 8...10 in common applications, the entire drivinc cycle can be driven in near-optimum gear ratios, and therefore, the milage you're given by the manufactorer is better in automatic these days. A continuously variable ratio, of course, would be best, but all these transmission suffer from bad transmission efficiency, as they all have some sort of slip. Anyway, a manual, to me, is fun to drive. Interact with a nonthinking machine I refuse to call "stupid", is very satisfying every time you hit the right rev when shifting down, or when you get your double-clutching right in shifting up, ... it just feels nice to execute an ability like this. In case I just wanna come from A to B, I don't really care. Diesel, electric, automatic, ... whatever gets me to where I wanna be.

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

That part about the trans failure is very true. Most of the auto pick-ups here need repairs at a certain age but the manuals go on much longer. I like a manual but not in traffic. Lol

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

Because they don't exchange oil would be my guess. Manual transmissions have longer intervals they can go without change, so you view them as breaking less

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

For a fun drive, yes, if you live in the city and spend most of your time in start-stop traffic jams, no.

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

Or live in a city with decent public transport and you will not need car at all.

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

Again I would agree but since becoming disabled I can only drive with an automatic car and adaptations so a stitch shift may not be for everyone.

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

Stick shift is more work. Focusing on the road and following laws is most important.

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

"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." Nope, never, study confirms computer is always better than you- deal with it

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

Considering how many car manufacturers claims over range, mpg, speed, etc. have been debunked over the years, I believe their figures about as much as I believe anything published by the tobacco industry.

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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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