Shifting Ways of Communicating
Baby Boomers grew up in a time when formality and tradition went hand in hand with respect. For them, a long phone call shows care and attention—a practice they learned early on. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, lean toward more efficient communication. They often feel that lengthy phone chats are overwhelming and prefer quick texts that save everyone some time. A simple “Can you talk?” text before dialing up is a perfect example of how communication has become more considerate yet streamlined.
When it comes to showing thanks, Baby Boomers swear by handwritten thank-you notes as the best way to show appreciation. Meanwhile, younger folks are all about digital messages like texts or voice notes, where speed is key. Writing out a long handwritten note often feels like a chore, almost like homework.
Changing Social Norms
Dressing for the occasion is another area where opinions differ. For Baby Boomers, dressing up is a sign of respect that highlights the importance of an event or meeting. Millennials and Gen Z, however, lean more towards comfort and authenticity. Unless the event specifically calls for formal wear, they see overdressing as extra.
The way people handle apologies also shows this generational split. Baby Boomers were raised to say sorry frequently as a polite gesture, even if they weren’t really at fault. Younger generations prefer to cut to the chase and save their apologies for when they truly need them, finding excessive apologizing a bit much.
Face-to-face meetings used to be the gold standard for showing respect and commitment to resolving issues, at least for Baby Boomers. In contrast, Millennials and Gen Z are more about efficiency, often choosing quick texts or video chats rather than dealing with the hassle of in-person meetups.
New Takes on Social Interactions
Traditional table manners still hold meaning for Baby Boomers, who follow classic dining etiquette no matter the setting. For younger people, however, strict rules at casual meals can feel outdated. They favor laid-back environments that encourage a real connection over rigid formality.
Even small talk has evolved. While Baby Boomers might chat about the weather or work to show interest, younger generations enjoy digging into conversations about hobbies or mental health—topics they find genuinely engaging and worthwhile.
At the end of the day, being polite is valued by everyone, no matter the generation. For Baby Boomers, it’s all about following long-standing traditions, whereas Millennials and Gen Z put a premium on staying true to themselves and respecting personal space. As our world changes with rapid advances in technology and a fusion of cultural influences, embracing flexibility in how we communicate and connect helps us build stronger bonds across every age group, paving the way for a more unified future.
