Piper Ryan

Every generation has its quirks, but today's social norms seem to have left many older folks scratching their heads. From evolving technology to changing attitudes about everything from communication to relationships, the rules of engagement have shifted dramatically. What seems normal to younger generations can feel baffling to those who grew up in a different era. Here's a look at modern social norms that often leave older people wondering, “When did this become a thing?”

You know that friend who panics over a tiny hiccup like it's a full-blown disaster? That's catastrophizing, where every little issue snowballs into the worst-case scenario in their mind. It's exhausting—for them and everyone around them. While it might seem dramatic to outsiders, these thoughts come from a mix of fear and overthinking. If you've ever wondered what's really going on in their heads, here's a peek into the wild ride of catastrophizing.

Being nice isn't the same as being a pushover, but for some people, the lines blur way too easily.

When someone's ego takes the wheel, they'll stop at nothing to make sure you see the world their way. Whether it's subtle manipulation or bulldozing through every objection, their tactics can leave you spinning. The goal? To push their agenda while making you think it was your idea all along. Let's break down 14 ways ego-maniacs try to rope you in and why it's so hard to see it coming until it's too late.

Forget everything you've heard about alpha males strutting around like peacocks on Instagram—let's talk about the other guys, the ones who aren't posting gym selfies or bragging about their crypto portfolios. You know who I mean: the guy who apologizes when you step on his foot, or the one who's still “thinking about” asking for that promotion he deserved two years ago. While the internet loves to throw around terms like “alpha” and “beta,” there's more to this story than just who can bench press the most or command attention in a room.

We might roll our eyes at our parents' flip phone usage or their endless Facebook forwards, but the Baby Boomer generation has some serious wisdom up their sleeve. Growing up in a time of massive social change and economic prosperity, they learned lessons that many of us are just starting to figure out. While we might not want to give up our avocado toast or TikTok accounts, here are some pearls of wisdom from the Boomer generation that we could all benefit from incorporating into our lives.

Okay, let's talk about all those people who get labeled as “lazy” just because they're not running around like their pants are on fire 24/7. You know exactly who I'm talking about—maybe you're even one of them! While everyone else is busy bragging about their 5 AM wake-up routines and cold showers, these folks are living their best lives at their own pace. And honestly? They might be the smartest ones in the room. Here's why these so-called “lazy” people deserve way more credit than they get.

History class gave us the highlight reel—you know, the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars, and a sprinkle of social movements. But American history is packed with fascinating stories that somehow didn't make it into our textbooks. These overlooked events and details don't just fill in the gaps—they completely change how we understand our country's past. From untold innovations to overlooked heroes, these historical facts paint a richer, more complex picture of America than what we learned between the school bells.

You know those people who just seem to draw others to them like moths to a flame, regardless of their physical appearance? Turns out, there's a whole set of characteristics that make people genuinely attractive from the inside out. So forget about filter settings and beauty standards for a minute, and let's dive into the traits that make people genuinely magnetic.

Ever felt like you experience emotions differently than others around you? Like maybe you're picking up on things that other people seem to miss completely? You might be more emotionally aware than most—and no, that's not just about being “sensitive” or “too emotional.” Let's dive into some signs that suggest you've got a higher level of emotional intelligence than the average person.