To you young whippersnappers (a post-modern term for those who have gathered less wisdom and years than us Boomers) these behaviors single us out as old codgers. I believe a more accurate term would be “Refined.” Here’s what MSN lists:
- Carrying a Wallet: Is a man-purse cooler?
- Reading a Newspaper: The tactile sensation of holding the paper; the aroma of the ink; uncontrollable sneezing from the aroma of the ink. Hard things to give up.
- Booking Hotels: There are reasons for booking a reputable hotel you can count on rather than chancing an Airbnb room in Jeffery Dahmer’s house.
- Visiting Public Libraries: You all can gag yourself with a spoon on that one. I Love Libraries! There is no more soothing, restorative and motivating space than being surrounded by books containing representations of all the knowledge and beauty in our world. That is, at least until some psycho asshole does something awful and ruins one of the last stress-free zones.
- Clipping Coupons: Saving money, when did that go out of style? Sorry, we all can’t manage two freakin’ billion apps on our phones.
- Printing a Boarding Pass: I do print one but I use my iPhone at the gate…but I have copy in my pocket just in case; maybe someday…
- Paper Maps: Unless searching for treasure I agree. I haven’t flipped through the pages of a Thomas Guide in 15 years. Really, who does?
- Correct punctuation: I see it as an imperative to maintain civility. So many social norms have been shattered by millennials; some good and some signaling the demise of common courtesy. Cursive writing is out, we didn’t receive a thank you note from two of the last three weddings we attended and texts replaced actual warm communication. And it is still on my bucket list to learn when a semicolon is appropriate.
- Lists with Pen and Paper: I am halfway there. I write the list but then take a picture of it in case I lose it. I see the irony.
- Carrying a Hankie: I never did that. The wisdom of carrying around a wad of snot in your pocket always escaped me.
- Dictating Texts: Why not dictate texts? Is digital dexterity practice on a mini-keypad high on your ToDo list?
Okay, I’m old. But listen Einstein, you should be able to tell that by looking at me and not have to check if I have a hankie to confirm it.