25 Things That Should Never Have Gone Out of Style
Sure, we're happy we don't have to curtsey when we meet someone or wear white gloves to tea, but there are some retro customs and fashions that might be worth reviving.
Handwritten Love Letters
There's a sweetness and innocence to reading old love letters—whether they're from our great-grandparents during World War II or our own younger selves.
Recipe Cards
It's incredibly convenient to search for recipes digitally any time you need them. But it it's much nicer to use a card your mom or friend wrote out for you.
Modesty
In this age of nothing's-off-limits, would it be so awful to be a teeny bit retiring in dress, behavior, or speech occasionally? We think not. (Though it's heartening that modest wedding dresses are trending.)
Dressing Up
Super-casual is the dress code for almost every event nowadays. But any gathering feels more special when you swap athleisure for a cute outfit.
Potluck Dinners
Because who doesn't love a Jell-O salad or an icebox cake?
Baby Books
Too bad they're something that's hardly done any more, because they really do grow up too fast.
Memorizing Phone Numbers
It's all fine until your smartphone crashes to the ground or gets wet.
Saying 'Sir' and 'Ma'am'
Seems too stiff and formal? Maybe it's because we've all become accustomed to everyday rudeness.
Privacy
Enough said!
Printed Photos
How fascinating it was to leaf through our grandparents' black and white albums and our parent's faded Polaroids.
Curves
From Renaissance nudes to the Golden Age of Hollywood, curves ruled. Let's bring that "trend" back!
Calling Someone
Texting or posting "Happy Birthday" isn't quite the same as hearing you sing off-key but with love.
Doing Math in Your Head
Maybe we should all try not using the calculator app until after figuring out the tip once in a while.
Knowing Your Neighbors by Name
And having block parties!
Paper Address Books
They never crash and lose all your contacts and birthday reminders.
Teaching Cursive
It seems impractical; how do you scribble notes or sign your name if you don't know cursive? (But good news: It's finally coming back in some school systems!).
Keeping a Diary
It's amazing—and sometimes hilarious—to see what mattered in your life years ago.
Drive-In Movies
Piling into the station wagon for the double feature was a blast!
Saying 'Please' and 'Thank You'
It would be nice not to be surprised when someone actually says the
magic words.
Going Visiting
Or having a family dinner together on Sunday afternoons.
Not Using Bad Words
Oh, we know it's satisfying! But what would your Grandma think? Let's bring back these "gentle" swear words instead.
Table Manners
Niceties such as chewing with your mouth shut and not talking with your mouth full shouldn't be lost arts.
Hats
Fedoras, floppy brims, cloches, berets, or fascinators: They totally saved you on bad hair days!
Having a Real Live Conversation
While looking at each other, not hunching over our phones.
Holding the Door for Someone
Not letting it slam in the face of the person behind you.
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