“Being Able To Fix Things Yourself”: 30 Things Young People Find Odd That Used To Be Normal
InterviewIt seems like social norms change annually, nowadays. It can be exhausting and confusing trying to keep track of how we’re supposed to behave in various situations, but for young people who haven’t been around to see these societal shifts, what they’ve observed is completely normal. We all have cell phones, we all should have social media accounts, and we should all be available 24/7.
Older generations, however, have a harder time accepting some of the changes that have come along, and recently, Redditors have been sharing some of the things they wish would become normalized again. Below, you’ll find some of their most insightful responses, so enjoy reading through and be sure to upvote all of the thoughts you agree with.
This post may include affiliate links.
The art of conversation. Just because I disagree with you on something doesn’t mean I don’t respect you.
Not being accessible all the time. Just because I have a cellphone doesnt mean I want to answer it at the supermarket, or while cooking dinner. Or while driving. Thats cool that my boss checks emails in his tesla driving 20 mins to work but I would rather not. I need a break
Before cell phones, if someone didn't answer the phone we'd just say, "Oh, they're not home," and that was normal. Nowadays, I wish it was just as normal to say, "Oh, they're not answering their phone," and just leave it at that.
Classes in high school like wood shop, home economics, culinary, machine shop, etc and just trade school training in general for those who don’t want to go to college.
US: standardized test scores are tied to funding, so no time for skill development (either manual or critical thinking). Kids learn that life is only about obedience to ham-fisted metrics analysis.
We reached out to the Reddit user who posed the question, "What things are seen as weird by the younger generation that we need to normalize again?" and lucky for us, u/Kvassalskaren55 was happy to have a chat with Bored Panda.
As far as what inspired him to start this conversation, he shared that he was just bored on a Saturday and decided to post something on Reddit. "I thought of a question to post in r/askreddit, but I had no idea that it would get this popular," the OP shared.
Can we re-normalize using headphones while listening to music or watching videos in public? Please? I should be able to study on campus without having to listen to someone else's s**t. I can't even go to the campus library without someone blasting their s**t.
Obviously not old enough to remember 'ghetto blasters' (yup, REALLY called that) These were extremely large radio cassettes with big speakers played at full volume everywhere from the 70s onwards until personal stereos became a thing. Before that it was 'portable wireless radios' These go back to the early 60s. Again, people have ALWAYS been a******s..
Being able to fix things yourself-sew hems and small holes, fix a toilet or garbage disposal, etc
We NEED to bring back home economics and wood shop as required classes in high school or middle school for ALL students. This would help so many young adults get their first steps in basic life skills.
Back when I was in school, Home Economics and Sewing were only for girls and Woodwork and Metalwork were only for boys. My very first Home Ec class was "How to iron a Man's shirt". I kid you not.
Load More Replies...Being poor forces one to learn how to fend for oneself. With so many Youtube how to do it videos, there really is no excuse for not being able to fix a running toilet.
YouTube university is a wonderful thing. There's nothing I can't do when that bad boy has my back.
Load More Replies...I see these as choices. You can either stare at your phone or a tv or you can learn to be self sufficient (and, inadvertently, save yourself money). Shìt, you can actually learn to do practically everything just from YouTube videos.....so you can learn something AND watch some cute critter videos simultaneously!
How to videos with a cute animal animation style. Now we're onto something.
Load More Replies...I don't think kids are encouraged to do things for themselves anymore. Growing up and even now, it is so much cheaper to repair your own vehicle than to take it to a shop.
How about a "Moving Away From Home" class? How to read a bank statement, patch the jeans, sew a new buckle on a leather strap, check your hot water heater's pilot light, unclog a toilet, change a tire, change a baby's diaper (nappy), peel carrots, drive a nail, the names of basic tools and how to use them, scramble and/or fry an egg, hand wash dishes, scrub a bathtub or shower walls, how to safely wash your clothes, and other basic life skills we folks over 40 can remember how to do, and still do to this day.
Surely the folks over 40 shouldn't try to outsource this to the schools and.should have been teaching it all along.
Load More Replies...My task for today is sewing elastic into my son's new pants so they fit him better. I may not be anywhere near good enough to make clothes, but at least I can do that!
What we call utility sewing, next come holloween costumes. My mom started teaching her son's basic sewing when we were under ten. We taught our kids. We thought our kids. Some of my teen friends could mend and repair. Some of my kids friends could mend and repair. Nothing has changed.
Load More Replies...Home Ec, wood shop, cooking, metalworking, auto shop - should all be combined into a DIY class for all students. Teach them basic mends/repairs and household skills.
I agree it would be great to have these classes available but aren’t some of these things they can learn at home?
It's stuff you *should* be able to learn at home, but some people don't have a helpful home life (or even a home). If my dad had won custody in the divorce, I wouldn't be able to boil water.
Load More Replies...They should teach how to balance a checkbook, how to budget, check oil in a car, change a tire. Basic life skills.
With electronic banking there is no longer a need to balance a check book, many new cars do not come with spare tires, changing oil is only a small part of car maintenance the rest requires more equipment.
Load More Replies...The picture makes no sense. It's a sink, put the plug in. Guess what? The water will stop coming down!
I'm 33 and know how to do this but my mom told me to be able to fix basic things myself and never expect others to be around to do it for me.
Showing my age here, but my first wife got her degree in home economics. I learned a lot from my father. His father owned a furniture store, but they were always fearless when fixing plumbing and electrical around the house. When I came along, I was doing tuneups, rebuilding carburetors, and doing brake jobs on the family cars when I was 14. Replaced piston rings on my car at 18. Sewed a Halloween costume in my 30s.
My sis and I grew up learning or teaching ourselves how to do so. Granted, our dad treated us like sons and both our parents worked long hrs or multiple jobs. I’m sometimes amazed that my now adult son doesn’t know how to do some simple things. Of course, I teach him when he asks. Except we didn’t have an internet with tutorials. You basically learned by doing or friends that knew how. I don’t understand how, in this technological age, that there’s less know how than more.
My parents didn't teach me f*ck-all. I had to teach myself via the internet how to do laundry, how to cook, etc.
I took metal shop and home ec in middle school, 40+ years ago, but I learned how to fix bikes, cars, motorcycles, plumbing, electrical, etc., because I could never afford professional labor rates. Eventually, fixing stuff became my living for the last 20 years
More and more things, such as sink parts are made to be replaced not fixed. What a shame.
Teach your own children these skills. Don’t expect someone else to. It is not their job to teach YOUR child how to feed itself and take care of its environment! YOU are the parent. Step up!
I'm kind of self taught in the sense of being able to watch a YouTube video on how to fix something, but it's 50/50 whether I'll actually be able to do it or wind up making a bigger mess. Sometimes there's an art to determining whether it's better to do it yourself of call a professional.
I remember a careers class where you could choose different trades in junior high. You chose 4-5 boxes that had videos, instruction books and materials and learned some basics of a job. One that I recall for some odd reason was dry cleaner. And they had the chemicals to dry clean a small piece of cloth (with safety gear and supervision). No idea why the dry cleaning sticks out in my memory all these years later. But were able to experience some basics of different skills.
Ok, I see a lot of people being out of touch with technology. Y'all remember YouTube exists, right? Heck, a year or two ago, a channel called 'Dad, How Do I?' blew up. He had taught his daughter some basic life skills and she said her friends wanted to know, too, so he started making videos. Also, why should it be all on the schools to learn things like darning, and laundry, and cooking. Isn't learning basic life skills and the importance of contributing to the household the real purpose of chores? The books, videos, AND classes all exist; if someone doesn't know how, it's because they don't want to learn, and that's their prerogative.
I was lucky to have spent so much time growing up in intention communities or communes & ashrams. If I hadn’t had that foundation there’s no way I’d survive here in the jungle and off-grid. The skills I learned in the 70/80s were normal skill sets to have. Now they’re so incredibly rare that some folks think I’m a master at things I just remember hazily from when I was growing up.
My husband knows all of that and more, but then again, he didn't grow up in the era of social media. He can fix a car, replace a roof, remodel a bathroom and kitchen, plumbing, electric, etc. And he can sew. I firmly believe the computer age really killed any kind of ambition to learn valuable life skills. I think about that whenever I see someone with very soft hands.
B******t. If there's an issue it's because no one taught us. I had no role model who took any time to show me anything about being handy. Everything I I've fixed myself is BECAUSE of the computer age. In moments I can watch someone show me something others were too "busy" to show me in my younger years. If you got your head out of your butt you may be less biased
Load More Replies...Can do all of that and more. It gives me a real sense of security, not having to depend on trades-persons. Saves time and money. Also frees them up for those who really need help.
Yes! My ex husband wasn't the least but "handy" around the house so I did most of the repairs and plumbing. I left the dishes and laundry to him lol.
I've always been pretty handy with tools and doing repairs and such. After over 2 decades in retail I've been self employed now for another 2 decades as a general handyman repairing stuff for other people and getting paid for it. I consider myself lucky in that I seemed to have turned a hobby into a career
It depends a lot of what kind of person you are. Many people who have some basic understanding about fixing things are really brave in trying new things too, and internet is full of different instructions. But the people who are used to getting everything ready-made usually don't even want to try.
I think that's more to do with the money you have than the type of person you are. If you're broke and something breaks/goes wrong, you've got to figure out how to fix it yourself
Load More Replies...Since high schools DO still offer these classes, and kids DO pass them, your assumption is incorrect.
Load More Replies...I studied how to do a lot of things in Home Economics and also in Tech (one of the first to be allowed to do BOTH, previously segregated by sex) You used to be able to buy books on DIY or dressmaking and every house would have one. Nowadays you have YouTube instructional videos which are much better and you have cheaper stuff and more choice so less need to repair. Again - life is better now..
Might be better but what about all the waste that needs to be disposed of?
Load More Replies...We were also curious what Kvassalskaren55 would answer to his own question. "I think we should normalize talking to each other more," he shared. "I think today’s generation is missing out on getting to know people face to face. You never know who is behind the screen, it could be anyone."
On the other hand, the OP is appreciative that homophobia has become much less socially acceptable. "Everyone should be able to love whoever they want without facing backlash," he told Bored Panda.
Not having everything you do in public recorded.
Two random people arguing? Gotta record it.
Bad car wreck? Don't help. record.
Natural disaster? Don't run, stay and document it until someone has to rescue you, then get the rescue for maximum likes.
Same with concerts. I don't understand how people can't just watch a concert and enjoy it. Does anyone ever go back and watch their phone footage anyway?
Affordable housing.
Wall Street investors have been buying up housing all over the country just to make money on excessive rents and the tight housing market, which they contributed to making.
As far as his thoughts on the responses to his post, Kvassalskaren55 says he agreed with many of them. "There were a few that surprised me," he noted. "Those were the ones where people said that they were tired of people thinking that they are available at all times. That they need a break."
Having the decency and manners to verbally cancel plans or say you’ll be late in a timely fashion that’s respectful of the other person’s time and effort, instead of framing ghosting people as some kind cute personality quirk.
Being stood up or ditched on a date are as old as dating itself, but the RSVP was a contract that could only be violated at the peril of never receiving any future invitations
Actually owning the things you buy. Having the right to tinker with your devices.
Too damned many companies jumping on the product as a service bandwagon and it needs to stop. For instance, you pay (typically dearly) for a option on your new car, but you then need to pay a fee/subscription to use it? Not in this world, that's absurd.
Not having social media. Apparently now not being on whatever sites is a red flag.
Being able to handle the slightest bit of social interaction. I’ve met some Gen Z who damn near have panic attacks when making a call for delivery, let alone speaking to people they don’t know in public. Some seem to think every interaction with a stranger is potentially life threatening. The anxiety levels in that generation are off the charts.
I find the introvert memes tendency horrifying and relatable at the same time. Being an introvert myself I understand the struggle, but it seems to me it's getting worse and worse, triggering anxiety if you just let it be your lifestyle.
Knowing how to cook, even if that knowledge exists so you don't starve.
Agree knowing how to cook is a learnable skill you don’t need to be a chef.
I feel like u can't just talk to random people anymore. No one seems approachable. My mum talks to anyone wether she knows them or not. I notice alotnof the older generations are much more open to random chit chat
Some people just don't want to be bothered when they're trying to go about their day.
The hustle culture needs to go. We need to normalize working while keeling in touch with family and friends, not working yourself to death. Also, how about lowering house price, eh? It’s a dwelling, not a money making machine.
A house used to be a home not an investment for profit. It annoys me when real estate agents talk about selling a home, it is the house not the home being sold.
Pensions. The ability for current and future generations to retire.
All that has happened is the companies have shifted the risk from them to you. If you can get such good returns, they can too. Of course in most plans you do not contribute. Just more evidence of poor money management on their part, and how criminal underfunding is.
Talking to people in-person, and asking people out, and not being a f*****g weirdo if they say no.
Apps and social media have caused so much headrot.
Holding your phone to your ear when talking.
Just working out in a gym without the need to record yourself
Again, it's not an abnormal thing to go and not record. Going to the gym without recording is normalised.
**Getting to know your neighbours and connecting with the local community.**
How many of us actually know or have talked to the people next door?? It used to be so common to introduce yourself at least, nowadays it’s just weird and considered off-putting, making it much harder to build a strong sense of community.
This generation tends to be very isolated generally, and considering how actively hostile modern urban design is, it tends to discourage people from going outside and meeting people. This is also coupled with the rise of social media and a general sense of paranoia about feeling constantly watched, since everyone basically has a miniature recording device in their pocket. It decentivizes people from striking up more friendly conversations, due to fear of being recorded being cringe or whatever and going viral. Honestly the pandemic has f****d social skills beyond belief, but let’s get real here, the loneliness epidemic predates Covid by a long shot, quarantine just put it into hyperdrive.
I think knowing your neighbours should make a comeback. Along with neighbourhood block parties and potlucks. And for gods sake, can we please make less suburbs and anti-homelessness benches, and more free/affordable public infrastructure while we’re at it??? It’s been said already, but look at the outside we built, no wonder kids don’t want to go outside anymore.
Again depends on country and background. Low income areas in my country have good social networks and high income areas have neighbours who barely interact and mostly hate each other.
Taking your clothes to a tailor instead of getting new clothes
That individuals matter, not what groups people can be pegged as belonging to.
This is only true of individualist (ie western) culture. In Africa our community is the most important thing.
Vulnerability. Sincerity. These things seem to get lumped in with "cringe" when they shouldn't be.
Texting back too quickly is apparently a thing to younger folk? Whereas I see it as the ultimate sign of respect and interest when you're having an engaging conversation. There's so much second guessing about presentation and interest levels that many forget that it's cool, fine, and normal to just be honest with feelings and pursue them as long as they're reciprocal.
What kills me is "punctuation is aggressive" and "ok means you're mad." WTF kids?!?
Telephone skills, not fearing making phone calls
Emails and texts are too easy to ignore. I feel it takes twice as long to communicate via email.
Go to the park and join a bunch of strangers in playing a game whether it be touch football, throwing the Frisbee, even a game of TAG.
Uhh no. I would never walk up to strangers playing a game and join them.
Anyone else concerned with the lack of empathy and aggressive narcissism that are being displayed recently?
Yep. I feel those "Corona- years" have done more harm than good. 😢
Load More Replies...I am so sick of all of this "generational divide" b******t. "The boomers are this!" "The Millennials are that" "Gen Z is blah blah blah" can we all just please stop and reflect and realize there there and bad Apples in every single bunch and that doesn't mean the whole barrel is bad? I know PLENTY of "boomers" who are some of the kindest more understanding people around and I e met some Gen Z who would soon slit your throat than give you a kind look. It has nothing to do with what year you were born! It's how you're raised. And truthfully I will never consider myself a Gen Z. I am simply a younger person who will hopefully live to become an old person some day. That's it
Once again Generation X is forgotten. That one is true.
Load More Replies...SO much of this is really Boomers reminiscing about their childhood and not realising it seemed better because they were a child. Then there's the inherent criticism of the 'youth of today' I'm Gen X but even I can see that the current generation are the very best of us. Who saw us all through the pandemic doing all the frontline jobs? Not my generation, that's for sure. Who is more accepting of people for who they are? Again it's the 'young people of today' Good on them, nostalgia is a lie..
I hate to tell you this, but where I live, it was both the middle-aged and young transport drivers, supermarket cashiers, chemists, street cleaners, rubbish collectors, and above all health workers who got us through it. The less experienced younger people need the older workers' experience and stamina, or do you think that a whole bunch of 20-somethings just rolled up one day and took over? Enough with the generational labels, every workplace needs a mix of younger, creative, energetic people, trained and supported by more experienced staff.
Load More Replies...Listen, y’all, the economy is shot, corona ruined our social skills, and you can’t be anywhere without spending money, we would way rather be doing things in the world but we’re broke and many of us are disabled
I used to think our species would die from pollution and global warming, but reading these comments makes me think, the the extinction will come from nobody daring to get to know anyone, så no children will come to take over. I am a bit sarcastic here maybe.
Working on my own computer. Before windows, I could ask Doss what was wrong and it would tell me and I would fix it. After windows I could go to Microsoft help and always get trained answers. Now, I go to Microsoft help and they let any idiot on the Internet provide answers. One has the weed the actual help out from the junk.
Better title would be old people complain and suggest what they think young people must find odd because it's no longer the only acceptable option.
Yeah yeah yeah, the kids these days. Have a Werther's Original and shut up.
Sorry but gen z and alpha rule nothing. Most can't even make a phone call without experiencing crippling anxiety.
Anyone else concerned with the lack of empathy and aggressive narcissism that are being displayed recently?
Yep. I feel those "Corona- years" have done more harm than good. 😢
Load More Replies...I am so sick of all of this "generational divide" b******t. "The boomers are this!" "The Millennials are that" "Gen Z is blah blah blah" can we all just please stop and reflect and realize there there and bad Apples in every single bunch and that doesn't mean the whole barrel is bad? I know PLENTY of "boomers" who are some of the kindest more understanding people around and I e met some Gen Z who would soon slit your throat than give you a kind look. It has nothing to do with what year you were born! It's how you're raised. And truthfully I will never consider myself a Gen Z. I am simply a younger person who will hopefully live to become an old person some day. That's it
Once again Generation X is forgotten. That one is true.
Load More Replies...SO much of this is really Boomers reminiscing about their childhood and not realising it seemed better because they were a child. Then there's the inherent criticism of the 'youth of today' I'm Gen X but even I can see that the current generation are the very best of us. Who saw us all through the pandemic doing all the frontline jobs? Not my generation, that's for sure. Who is more accepting of people for who they are? Again it's the 'young people of today' Good on them, nostalgia is a lie..
I hate to tell you this, but where I live, it was both the middle-aged and young transport drivers, supermarket cashiers, chemists, street cleaners, rubbish collectors, and above all health workers who got us through it. The less experienced younger people need the older workers' experience and stamina, or do you think that a whole bunch of 20-somethings just rolled up one day and took over? Enough with the generational labels, every workplace needs a mix of younger, creative, energetic people, trained and supported by more experienced staff.
Load More Replies...Listen, y’all, the economy is shot, corona ruined our social skills, and you can’t be anywhere without spending money, we would way rather be doing things in the world but we’re broke and many of us are disabled
I used to think our species would die from pollution and global warming, but reading these comments makes me think, the the extinction will come from nobody daring to get to know anyone, så no children will come to take over. I am a bit sarcastic here maybe.
Working on my own computer. Before windows, I could ask Doss what was wrong and it would tell me and I would fix it. After windows I could go to Microsoft help and always get trained answers. Now, I go to Microsoft help and they let any idiot on the Internet provide answers. One has the weed the actual help out from the junk.
Better title would be old people complain and suggest what they think young people must find odd because it's no longer the only acceptable option.
Yeah yeah yeah, the kids these days. Have a Werther's Original and shut up.
Sorry but gen z and alpha rule nothing. Most can't even make a phone call without experiencing crippling anxiety.