Signs you might be a boomer that others find draining:
In the modern landscape, understanding and connecting with different generations has become increasingly important. A recent study by Cigna suggests that feelings of loneliness are more prevalent among younger generations, with 7 in 10 millennials reporting feelings of loneliness, compared to just 50% of boomers. This trend continues among Gen Z, with nearly 8 in 10 adults admitting to feeling lonely.
As we navigate this complex social terrain, it's crucial to approach conversations with empathy and respect. Instead of shutting down someone's ideas or dismissing their perspectives, asking why they think differently can help build connections and earn respect. Constantly correcting or telling someone the right way to do things can be perceived as controlling and unhelpful, especially among younger people.
Respect, today, is seen more as a two-way street. Younger generations expect it to be earned through openness, kindness, and humility. Constantly dominating conversations with unsolicited advice can feel less like a gift and more like an obligation. It's important to listen more than lecture, adapt to change, and treat respect as mutual.
The pressure of living life online, where comparison and criticism never stop, affects younger generations. Leaning into curiosity instead of dismissal can help understand the pressures they face. Laughing off or dismissing mental health struggles can feel like invalidation. It's essential to approach these topics with empathy and understanding.
In the past, there may have been a tendency to criticise unsolicited advice and advisory roles often used by Boomers towards younger people. Economist Marcel Fratzscher, in his commentary on generation conflicts and the so-called "Boomer-Bashing" in the context of social and pension debates, has emphasised the importance of adapting instead of complaining. By doing so, we model resilience and stop being the person people dread inviting to dinner.
Clinging to the past and resisting every new app or workplace trend can make one seem rigid and uninterested in learning. Instead, embracing change and showing a willingness to adapt can help foster a more harmonious intergenerational dialogue. Repeatedly telling stories about how much harder things used to be can sound like a broken record.
In 1950, only 60% of American households owned a car, a stark contrast to today's car-centric society. The cost of attending an out-of-state university in 2010 was around $18,000, a figure that may seem insignificant compared to current costs. These historical perspectives can provide valuable context, but it's important to avoid using them as a means to belittle or criticise current circumstances.
In conclusion, by fostering empathy, respect, and understanding, we can bridge the generational gap and create a more harmonious and productive society. Let's strive to listen more, judge less, and adapt to the ever-changing world around us.
