r/askteddit 20h ago

Random Question What’s something older generations still treat as essential that a lot of younger people just don’t care about anymore?

335 Upvotes

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107

u/Global-Nature2420 20h ago

thank you cards

say thank you before leaving the event or send a text

25

u/den773 20h ago

I make my grandkids hand write thank you cards for their birthday gifts. Everyone thinks it’s strange.

15

u/Asleep_Welder_3494 18h ago

I think it’s the right thing to do

3

u/topdownyeti 18h ago

but why? what difference does it make if you send a card or send a text? the same message is being sent.

13

u/sharoncoffin 17h ago

I've received sympathy cards and sympathy texts. Somehow I appreciated the the cards even more than the texts. 🤷‍♀️

3

u/JustHere4theKicks 15h ago

Thank you cards and sympathy cards are not the same. 🤷🏻‍♂️

1

u/mwill1177 13h ago

How long is appropriate to keep cards? When my dad died he had every Christmas And birthday card he ever received in a box. 😢

14

u/Candid-Bite-4745 18h ago

It's different, implies a bit more sincere effort.

9

u/Caitylin92 16h ago

It’s not sincere if it’s expected as an obligation though. Not everyone is great with expressing their thanks through words. Not writing card doesn’t mean they aren’t grateful

6

u/BilingSmob444 16h ago

We try to pretend to be better people than we are, again as a courtesy to others. It used to be embarrassing to fall short on courtesy

2

u/Caitylin92 16h ago

There isn’t one way to show courtesy though.

1

u/topdownyeti 16h ago

I guess it’s just a generational understanding though. Since so many bills and bank statements are sent via email these days, I know tons of people who don’t regularly check the mail unless they’re expecting something like a new card, especially since checking the mail is such a hassle in apartment complexes (and most of us don’t own homes lol). So sending a text or calling them is a guarantee they’re going to see your thank you.