17 Simple Things That Were Once Normal But Are Now Considered Luxuries Proving How Much Times Have Changed
We can all agree that today's times are vastly different compared to 30, 20, and even 10 years ago. People of the BuzzFeed Community are sharing the simple things in life that were once considered normal but are now looked at like ~luxuries~ and it's pretty wild. Here is what some people said:
Note: Some of these responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
1."The appliance thing. I've gone through two refrigerators and three microwaves; my dryer had to be fixed, my TV was crapping out, and my stove needed to be fixed. All of these things were purchased between 2020 and 2021. My mother inherited all the 1970s appliances when she bought her house in 2007. The last piece died a few years ago. Her brand-new fridge is already on the fritz, too. It's almost like these companies do it on purpose now."
2."I have very similar conversations with my peers all the time about the basic 'luxuries' that were all too common just 20 to 30 years ago. I truly long for other members of society who value in-person interactions with one another over a figurative 'social media presence.' I also want to just use payphones again instead of constantly being hassled by my notification-heavy cellphone. I might pull the trigger and just order a house phone instead of a cellphone altogether. I will keep y'all updated."
3."I miss having a receptionist when you call a business. Now you have to press all these buttons to talk to someone. The machine wants you to tell them what you want. You say it, the machine says did you say...you say no. You say it again and they still get it wrong. The machine says my apologies; please repeat it. You do, it’s still wrong, and you yell at the machine."
4."Getting your gas pumped and your oil checked and windshield cleaned."
5."We got our first microwave in the mid to late 80s. It wasn't until my first child was born in 2002 that it gave out. My mom might be on her second microwave since replacing the one we had for a very long time."
6."Dating for a spouse. Not just casually!"
7."People talking with each other instead of staring at their phones. Writing checks, going to the store instead of ordering, using things like phone books and landlines, and getting a real operator on the line, just to name a few things. Not being forced to buy in bulk to get the discount."
8."I have to color my own hair. Forget about getting your nails done. There is no such thing as extra money."
9."I remember not having to download an app to buy 'pre-loved' purses, and clothes at reasonable prices."
10."I'm so glad there weren't any cell phones with cameras back in the '80s and '90s. Let's just say I didn't always make the best choices, and I would hate to relive them on social media."
11."A hand written note."
12."Simple gestures of empathy and offering assistance were normal back then. Nowadays, it seems like a big deal, and people tend to post it on social media for attention and praise."
13."Reading an actual real newspaper or magazine."
14."Not having your reputation proceeded by a Google search of your name from others."
15."Schools need to use text books, and kids need to do math with pencil and paper. Not on computers or tablets."
16."Being able to go to the movies for a date for under $30 including concessions. Now, be ready to spend over $50."
17."Allowing little kids to go out and play with their friends unsupervised."
Is there anything else you miss from back in the day? Share them with me in the comments below!
