Baby boomers and millennials often disagree. However, that’s not always the case. In a recent conversation in an online forum, people discussed things the two generations can agree on.
Here are 11 common areas of agreement, according to people online.
Your Bed Is the Best Place to Sleep
A good, comfortable bed is one of the best investments you can make. It pays to spend to get what you like, both in the short and long term.
One person notes, “There was a great standup comedy bit I heard one time where someone said something to the effect of ‘I always thought it was weird adults didn’t have sleepovers when I was a kid, now I’m an adult and the concept of sleeping on my friends couch sounds worse than actual torture.’”
That is very true.
They Know Their Own Mortality
We all know or should know that we don’t live forever. Even though millennials realize it’s likely longer for them, they find common ground with boomers on this topic.
One commenter says, “Anything where I risk injury if I fall, crash, whatever.I remember being so fearless on skis, roller skates, skateboards and all the things when I was younger. Now I just think of how I could screw myself up. Having a keener sense of your own mortality sucks.”
Yes, it does.
We Need to Get Rid Of Sugar
Having a sweet tooth is one thing. However, a lot of food items are sneakily over the top with sugar.
“There’s just too much of it in everything, and I would enjoy it more if there was less sugar and more flavor,” says one person.
And we wonder why we have health issues in our country.
There Are Too Many People
Introverts like myself have a common feeling – that there are too many people for our liking. Boomers and millennials find common ground on this topic.
When asked about the topic, one commenter says simply, “Why are there so many?”
I’d like to know the answer to that question myself.
Materialism Doesn’t Drive Them Anymore
Having more things doesn’t necessarily lead to a more enriching life. I’ve seen that in my life and know others feel similarly.
One commenter says, “As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve come to realize that the pursuit of material possessions and the constant need for external validation have become increasingly unappealing to me. When we’re young, society bombards us with messages telling us that we need the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, and the flashiest cars to be happy and successful. But as we age, we start to recognize the emptiness of these pursuits.”
They continue, “Instead, what truly matters are the meaningful connections we forge with others, the experiences we accumulate, and the impact we have on the world around us. The older I get, the more I value authenticity, kindness, and personal growth over superficiality.”
Exactly. Relationships and experiences win out over things.
There’s Less Appeal to Go Out
With rising prices and crowded places, many people feel less appeal to go out. Why spend a lot of money to go out when you do many things at home for next to nothing?
One commenter explains why they feel this way, saying, “Exactly the same here. I paid a bunch of money for this apartment. What’s the point of I don’t even spend my leisure time here?”
That’s a fair point.
Being Tired Of Social Media
Social media can be a great way to connect with friends from your past or stay up on current events. Unfortunately, it’s also a den of people arguing over pedantic things from behind a screen.
One person explains the benefits of ditching social media, saying, “I quit social media platforms around seven years ago and my life took a turn for the better. Reddit is not a social to me, it’s Usenet in 2000.”
The Importance Of Sleep
A good night’s sleep can’t be overlooked. It regenerates you and is good for your health. Not surprisingly, boomers and younger generations agree on this.
“Something that seems increasingly unappealing the older you get is partying till the wee hours of the morning and waking up with a hangover. As you grow older, you realize that a good night’s rest and feeling fresh in the morning is much more important than a night of reckless abandon. So, my advice to you is to get to bed early and wake up feeling fresh like a morning dew,” adds one person.
Starting a day fresh and with a clear head is well worth any possible sacrifices.
Shopping Just to Shop
I never understood the appeal of shopping just to shop. It’s wasteful and often puts you around crowds.
“I hate crowds. I lost interest in seasonal clothing runs and stick to a capsule closet. And my grocery list is always the same,” adds one commenter. Boomers and millennials alike share a commonality with this philosophy.
Other People’s Drama
If you have enough drama in your life, what appeal is there for more? If you’re like most, there’s little sense in adding more unrelated drama.
One person explains their thoughts, saying, “Leave that to the network of nosy grandmas and aunts peering through curtains or bushes, especially in a small town. If you’re up to no good in one end of town (e.g., drinking too much or talking to the wrong person), your mum at the other end of town will know everything before you finish your chat.”
Air Travel
My father always used to say that air travel was enjoyable. Then, the 2000s hit, and that was no longer the case.
One commenter says, “This is a big one for me. When I was younger, I was always excited to hop on a plane and travel. Now? No way. The whole song and dance of having to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight, waiting in long lines, going through security, and waiting at a crowded gate to wait in a line to board… just sucks.”
They continue, “Then you’re crammed in a tube like a sardine with a bunch of other people – hoping you don’t witness the next viral TikTok freakout, or get sat near someone who doesn’t believe in basic manners or personal hygiene.”
The commenter concludes, “With each year, air travel seems to get even more miserable. More nasty behavior from others, less in-flight amenities, less space per seat, more delays and cancellations… and just more stress. Honestly? I’d rather just take a longer trip and drive if I’m able to.”
I can agree with this sentiment.
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I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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