Despite teaching younger generations about respect and proper behavior, many Boomers routinely exhibit the exact same conduct they'd harshly criticize in anyone under 50—from chronic interrupting and lateness to refusing to learn new skills while lecturing others about laziness.
Growing up with a teacher mother and an engineer father meant achievement was everything in our household. Success had a very specific definition: stable career, steady paycheck, predictable trajectory. So when I left my financial analyst position to become a writer, well, let's just say family dinners got interesting.
My mother still introduces me as "my daughter who worked in finance" at social gatherings. And every conversation with my dad somehow circles back to retirement planning and whether I'm "being responsible" with my finances.
They express love through concern about financial security, I get that now. But here's what I've noticed over the years: many of the behaviors they exhibit would absolutely not fly if someone from my generation did the same thing.
This generational double standard isn't unique to my family. I see it everywhere, from workplace dynamics to social situations. And while I deeply respect the wisdom and experience of older generations, there are some behaviors that need to be called out for what they are: hypocritical.
So let's talk about the elephant in the room. Here are nine things Boomers routinely do that they'd never tolerate from younger people.
1) Interrupting constantly during conversations
Remember being told as a kid to wait your turn to speak? That interrupting was rude?
Well, try having a conversation with someone over 60 about literally anything technology-related. Before you can finish explaining how to reset their password, they're already cutting you off with "In my day, we didn't need all these complicated systems."
I once tried to help a family friend set up their smartphone. Every time I started explaining something, they'd interrupt with how much simpler flip phones were. But if I had done the same thing while they were explaining their golf swing technique? I would've gotten a lecture about respect and patience.
The irony is thick enough to cut with a knife.
2) Being chronically late
How many times have you heard older folks complain about "young people having no respect for other people's time"?
Yet when my parents show up 45 minutes late to lunch because they "lost track of time" or "traffic was bad" (the same traffic that exists every single day), it's somehow perfectly acceptable. No apology, just a breezy "Oh, you know how it is."
But when my younger cousin was 10 minutes late to Thanksgiving dinner because of actual car trouble? The lectures about responsibility and time management lasted longer than the meal itself.
3) Refusing to learn new skills
"I'm too old to learn that" has become the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card for avoiding anything remotely challenging.
Can't figure out how to use Zoom for family calls? Too old. Won't learn to use the self-checkout at the grocery store? Too complicated. Refuse to understand why you can't just write a check everywhere? That's just how they've always done it.
But heaven forbid a younger person says they don't know how to do something. Then it's all about "kids these days are so lazy" and "nobody wants to learn anymore."
A colleague once told me her mother-in-law refuses to learn how to text but constantly complains that her grandkids never call. When it was suggested that texting might be an easier way to stay in touch with busy teenagers, the response was "They should make time for a proper phone call."
The same woman who "doesn't have time" to learn a skill that takes about five minutes to master.
4) Dismissing other perspectives without consideration
Ever tried to explain why remote work can be just as productive as office work to someone who retired before email was invented?
The immediate dismissal is almost impressive in its speed. "Nobody really works from home." "You need to be in an office to be productive." "That's not how real work gets done."
No discussion. No curiosity. Just immediate, wholesale rejection of anything that doesn't align with their experience.
Yet when a younger person questions why we need to do things a certain way, we're "disrespectful" and "think we know everything."
5) Oversharing inappropriate personal details
You know that filter that's supposed to develop as we mature? Apparently, it has an expiration date.
I've sat through countless dinners where older relatives share graphic medical details, inappropriate relationship stories, or deeply personal financial information with anyone within earshot. The checkout clerk doesn't need to know about your colonoscopy, Karen.
But when younger people share aspects of their lives on social media? Suddenly it's "Young people have no sense of privacy" and "Why does everyone need to know your business?"
The cognitive dissonance is staggering.
6) Making unsolicited comments about appearance
"You've gained weight." "You look tired." "When I was your age, people dressed properly."
These gems flow freely from the same generation that taught us if we don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
My friend recently attended a wedding where an older relative spent the entire reception commenting on how "inappropriate" the younger guests' outfits were. This same relative wore white to the wedding. White. To someone else's wedding.
But sure, tell me more about how millennials have no sense of propriety.
7) Refusing to admit mistakes
The mental gymnastics I've witnessed when older folks try to avoid admitting they were wrong could qualify for the Olympics.
Wrong directions that led to being an hour late? "The roads must have changed." Incorrect information they insisted was true? "Well, that's what it used to be." Terrible advice that backfired spectacularly? "You must have misunderstood what I meant."
Yet younger generations are criticized for "not taking responsibility" and "always making excuses."
8) Using age as an excuse for bad behavior
"I'm too old to change" might be the most frustrating phrase in the English language.
Being rude to service workers? "That's just how I am at my age." Making inappropriate jokes? "People are too sensitive now." Refusing to respect pronouns or cultural differences? "I'm from a different time."
Age isn't a free pass for being inconsiderate. If a 25-year-old used "that's just how I am" as an excuse for poor behavior, they'd be labeled as immature and told to grow up.
9) Giving unsolicited advice constantly
The assumption that age automatically equals wisdom leads to a never-ending stream of unwanted counsel.
Career advice from someone who retired before the internet existed. Parenting tips from people who raised kids when car seats were optional. Financial guidance from folks who bought houses for the price of a current car down payment.
And if you politely decline or suggest that things might be different now? You're "too proud to accept help" and "think you know better than everyone else."
Final thoughts
Look, I love the older generation in my life. Their experiences, wisdom, and perspectives have shaped who I am. Setting boundaries with my parents about discussing my life choices was one of the hardest but most necessary things I've done.
But respect has to go both ways. The same standards that apply to younger generations should apply to everyone, regardless of age. Bad behavior doesn't become acceptable just because you've had more birthdays.
Maybe instead of focusing on what generation someone belongs to, we should focus on treating each other with mutual respect and understanding. Novel concept, right?
After all, we're all just trying to navigate this world the best we can, whether we're doing it with a smartphone or a flip phone.
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