As we get older, we pick up habits we think are polite. But some of these habits, especially those common among people over 50, can actually annoy others. Here’s a look at some ‘polite’ habits that people might not enjoy as much as we think.
Excessively using “please” and “thank you”
People over 50 often grew up with strict manners, which leads them to say “please” and “thank you” frequently in daily conversations. While politeness is usually valued, using these phrases too much can come across as insincere. To younger generations, this habit can feel outdated or even irritating.
Long, formal emails or text messages
People over 50 often write lengthy, formal emails or texts, complete with full sentences and proper punctuation. While this shows respect and thoughtfulness, younger generations might see it as overly formal and time-consuming. In a world where casual messaging is the norm, longer emails can feel unnecessary.
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Hand-written thank you notes
Some older folks prefer to send hand-written thank you notes, carefully choosing a card, writing a message, and mailing it. However, younger people might not appreciate this as much. Today, many prefer quick texts or emails to say thanks, seeing hand-written notes as old-fashioned or inconvenient, especially if they don’t check their mail often.
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Using landline phones
People over 50 often still use landline phones regularly, valuing them as a reliable and familiar way to communicate. They’re accustomed to having a specific spot in the home for phone conversations. However, younger generations see landlines as outdated, preferring the convenience and mobility of their smartphones.
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Lecturing
Older people have a lot of life experience and wisdom to share, but constantly giving unsolicited advice or lecturing younger people can come across as intrusive or condescending. Younger generations usually prefer to ask for advice when they need it, rather than having it offered without prompting.
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Not being available via phone, text, or email 24/7
Many older adults follow a traditional schedule, not constantly checking their phones or emails. They value private time and may not respond to calls, texts, or emails right away, seeing constant availability as intrusive rather than polite. However, younger people, who are used to instant communication, might find this delay frustrating.
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Showing up uninvited
In the past, it was common to drop by a friend’s place without calling first, and it was the norm for social visits. However, today, surprise visits aren’t always welcome. Younger people often find unannounced guests inconvenient or intrusive and prefer a quick text or call beforehand.
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Leaving voicemails
Many people over 50 still leave detailed voicemails when they can’t reach someone, viewing it as a polite way to ensure clear communication. They want to provide all necessary information without requiring an immediate callback. However, younger people often find checking voicemails to be a chore and may prefer quick texts or emails instead.
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Calling without texting first
For many over 50, calling someone directly without texting first is a common practice. They come from a time when calls were the main way to reach someone quickly. However, younger people often find this approach intrusive. They prefer a text message first as a heads-up, allowing them to decide if they’re available to talk.
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Expecting immediate responses
Older people, used to a time with fewer communication options, see prompt replies as a sign of respect and efficiency. However, younger generations often find this expectation stressful. The pressure to respond instantly can be overwhelming and disrupt their schedules or personal downtime.
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Using formal titles
For those over 50, using formal titles like Mr., Mrs., or Dr. is a deeply ingrained habit and a sign of politeness. However, younger generations tend to be more casual and often feel that formal titles add unnecessary formality.
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Bringing food without asking first
In the past, bringing a homemade dish or baked goods to someone’s home was a warm and generous gesture, reflecting close-knit communities and resource sharing. However, today, this habit may not always be as well-received, as modern preferences have shifted.
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Small talk with strangers
For older age groups, striking up casual conversations with strangers, whether in line at the grocery store or at a bus stop, is seen as polite and community-building. However, many people today prefer to keep to themselves, especially in public spaces.
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Commenting on appearances
In the past, commenting on someone’s weight loss, new hairstyle, or outfit was seen as friendly and polite. However, society has become more aware of issues related to body image, privacy, and personal boundaries. Today, such comments, even if meant well, can be received negatively.
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Insisting on those old etiquette rules
These rules covered everything from table settings to appropriate clothing and how to address people in different social situations. However, as society evolves, so do its norms and expectations. Younger generations often see these traditional etiquette rules as outdated, restrictive, or even irrelevant.
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Face-to-face meetings
The older generation values face-to-face meetings for their directness and personal connection, seeing them as crucial for business and relationship building. However, younger generations often find this preference inconvenient or outdated. With the rise of remote work, flexible schedules, and digital communication tools, many now favor the efficiency and convenience of virtual meetings.
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Wanting physical copies of documents
Many people over 50 have a habit of only wanting physical copies of documents. This was once the norm, as printed papers were the primary way to keep records and share information. However, this habit can be frustrating for younger people who are used to digital documents.
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Writing cheques
In the past, writing a cheque was a common way to pay for everything from groceries to utility bills. However, many people today don’t use cheques at all. To them, cheques are a hassle compared to electronic payments, which are quicker and involve fewer steps like mailing or physically depositing at a bank.
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Over-explaining things
Coming from a place of wanting to help, they often provide detailed explanations or instructions to prevent confusion or errors. This habit reflects a time when information was less accessible, making thorough guidance more important. However, people today are used to figuring things out on their own.
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Critiquing modern lifestyles
Growing up in a different era, people in this age group have a unique perspective on life’s changes. They often compare the present with the past, noting a perceived decline in values, manners, and traditions. However, many younger people might not respond well to this criticism, as they are accustomed to the only way of life they’ve known.
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A sermon on “the good old days”
Many people over 50 often talk about “the good old days,” reflecting fondly on a time they believe was simpler, more respectful, and filled with values that seem to be fading today. While it’s natural for the older generation to reminisce, younger people might see these comparisons as negative critiques of modern times.
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Hesitating to try new things
This group often sticks with what they’re familiar with, whether it’s technology, food, or methods of doing things, adhering to the idea, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” However, in today’s fast-paced world, embracing change is viewed as both a necessity and an exciting part of life.
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Being frugal
The older generation learned to make do with what they had, repairing instead of replacing and valuing things rather than constantly seeking new ones. However, younger people might not always agree with this approach, sometimes perceiving frugality as stinginess.
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Eating dinner at 5pm
This habit stems from a lifetime of early dining schedules, but younger generations often have different routines. With later work hours or activities that extend into the evening, eating dinner at 5 p.m. can feel rushed or too early for them, making it challenging to join family meals or social events at this time.
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Taking photos of others without asking
Many people over 50 take photos of others without asking, capturing moments impulsively to preserve memories of loved ones or beautiful scenes. However, in a world where personal privacy and consent are highly valued, taking photos without permission can seem intrusive.
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Obsessed about the weather
For older people, discussing the weather is more than just small talk; it’s a genuine interest and concern. However, younger generations often don’t share this fascination. In a digital age where information is readily available, obsessing over weather updates can seem unnecessary or tedious to them.
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Using Facebook
Younger people often dislike Facebook, viewing it as outdated and associated with older generations. They prefer the quick, visual content of platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, which focus more on entertainment and offer a different style of social interaction.
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Ignoring the GPS
Some people over 50 are known for ignoring GPS, having grown up using paper maps and asking for directions. They find relying on their own knowledge or a physical map more natural and trustworthy. While they see GPS as helpful, they don’t always view it as essential.
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Getting up early
This habit comes from a lifetime of routines, such as going to work or sending kids off to school, making early mornings peaceful and productive for them. However, not everyone appreciates this early-bird routine, especially if it disrupts others’ sleep. Younger generations or night owls might find it hard to relate to this habit.
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Taking naps
After decades of balancing work, family, and everything in between, they’ve earned the right to a midday rest, which helps them recharge and feel more alert. However, not everyone views napping positively. Some younger people or those with busy schedules might see it as a sign of laziness.
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Watching old movies
People over 50 often prefer old movies, favoring classics starring actors like Farrah Fawcett or Robert De Niro over the latest superhero blockbusters. These films from their youth connect them to a bygone era, bringing them closer to their own history and experiences.
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Cheek kissing
For older generations, cheek kissing is a warm, affectionate way to greet friends and family, showing care and genuine happiness. However, not everyone is comfortable with this level of physical contact, especially in today’s society where personal space and boundaries are highly valued.
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Replying to a group email
This generation often sees responding to everyone as polite and correct, reflecting an era of more formal and inclusive communication. They carry these principles into email, but others might find the ‘reply all’ habit unnecessary and even disruptive.
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Arriving early
This age group values punctuality and often sees arriving early as a sign of politeness and respect. However, younger generations or those with tightly packed schedules might view early arrivals as pressure to start sooner or a disruption to their planned start time.
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Ordering for someone else
Some people over 50 consider ordering for someone else at a restaurant as good etiquette, but many people prefer to choose their own meal. When someone orders on their behalf without asking, it can seem overbearing or disrespectful.
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Rejecting smart home devices
They might see smart gadgets as overly complicated or unnecessary, sticking to familiar technology due to concerns about security and reliability. However, this reluctance to embrace smart home devices can be frustrating for younger generations, who understand how much easier these devices could make things.
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Preferring outdated beauty standards
Many people over 50 advocate for traditional beauty standards and grooming habits, with specific ideas about hair length, makeup, and dress codes. However, the younger generation values unique styles, diverse body types, and the freedom to express themselves in various ways. They might view the older generation’s views as limiting.
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Not trusting contactless
This hesitancy stems from concerns about the safety and privacy of newer technologies, which can seem overwhelming and unnecessary to those used to physical transactions. For older generations, there’s comfort in the familiarity of counting out bills and feeling a card in their hand.
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The customer is always right
Many people over 50 grew up with the saying “the customer is always right,” viewing it as a key principle of good customer service. However, today, many people disagree with this attitude, seeing it as potentially leading to unfair demands on employees and allowing customers to make unreasonable complaints or requests.
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Carrying an address book
Many people over 50 still carry a physical address book, a habit rooted in its crucial role in their day. Despite the sentimentality, younger generations may not value this method as much. Today, digital alternatives like smartphones and computers store information more securely and make finding addresses and numbers much easier.
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