The younger generation, Gen Z, has a different view when it comes to traditional manners compared to older generations. They feel some manners are unnecessary and overrated, and they aren’t using them. Here are 18 old-school manners that Gen Z finds totally overrated.
Hand Kissing
A male kissing a female’s hand was once a polite way to introduce yourself to someone you hadn’t met before. However, times have changed and Gen Z doesn’t feel this is appropriate. It’s no longer viewed as polite; instead, it’s somewhat the opposite. Today, it would be viewed as inappropriate, as you’d be invading someone’s personal boundaries.
Women Remaining Seated During Introductions
According to Universal Class, “Rules about men standing while women remain seated have gone away. Today, women often stand and put their hands out when greeting others as well.” Today, if many generations, including Gen Z, were to do this, it would be seen as rude. Instead, it’s viewed as more respectful if you stand up to greet someone.
Men Always Paying for Meals
It used to be a standard practice that when going out for dinner, the man would always pay for meals. This is still the case for some generations, but Gen Z feels it’s overrated. Due to the modern financial independence of all genders, splitting the bill is more common.
Addressing Adults Formally
It was common for people to address adults with “sir,” “madam,” “Mr.,” or “Mrs.,” followed by their surname. This was viewed as a respectful way to address older people. However, in today’s society, this isn’t viewed the same way, and instead, Gen Z addresses people by their first names.
Waiting to Eat Until Everyone Is Served
This is a manner that is still used by most generations, but Gen Z hasn’t quite grasped it. If you ate before everyone had been served their meal, it was seen as disrespectful. Gen Z doesn’t see the importance of following this manner, especially when it comes to more casual dining settings.
Elbows Off the Table
A more traditional way to dine was to avoid putting your elbows on the table. This manner has started to fade and isn’t adhered to by Gen Z. Today, it’s more accepted to put your elbows on the table, as it can be a way to indicate engagement and comfort in conversation.
Toasting Only with Alcohol
It used to be bad luck to make a toast with alcohol. For example, VinePair reports, “Traditionally, toasts are made with Champagne or port, but other wines are fine. On the other hand, toasting with water and other non-alcoholic drinks is highly discouraged.” Today it’s more acceptable to toast with any beverage.
Men Walking on the Outside of the Sidewalk
This is often a kind act many men from different generations still do today. It’s seen as a way to offer protection. The Gen Z generation doesn’t feel it’s necessary. It can even be viewed as patronizing due to only protecting a specific gender.
Not Reaching Across the Table for Food
Many still follow the manner of never reaching across the table for food, but Gen Z doesn’t see this as important. People used to get up out of their seats to get food, but the younger generations are happy to lean over people or pass food around as they view it as more practical.
Chewing with Mouth Closed
This is still very relevant for being polite, but enforcement has relaxed in more recent times, which shows some Gen Zers aren’t worried about sticking to it. They argue that it encourages people to enjoy their meals however they want without having to stick to strict rules.
Keeping a Napkin on the Lap
When dining with different generations at the same table, you’ll be able to see the different approaches to napkins. Gen Z hasn’t picked up the important table manner of always laying a napkin on your lap. They feel it’s overrated and not needed.
Using an Indoor Voice
According to World Vision, having an indoor voice means you know not to burst someone’s eardrums and can communicate without hollering. When in communal indoor places, it’s viewed as polite to keep your noise to a minimum when having conversations. Gen Z, however, doesn’t tend to follow this, and you can often hear their whole conversation.
Knocking Before Entering a Room
It has always been common practice, regardless of the setting, to knock on a door and wait for a response before entering a room. This was a sign of respect that you wouldn’t encroach on someone’s personal space without being invited. The Gen Z generation hasn’t yet grasped this concept.
Covering the Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
This is one mannerism that should never change, regardless of the generation. You should always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs. It’s a hygienic practice that, if not followed, is disrespectful to those around you.
Saying ‘Please,’ ‘Thank You,’ and ‘Excuse Me’
Unfortunately, some Gen Zers can lack the most basic of manners. This is very disappointing when you don’t hear them express fundamental manners to be polite. Most of us have been raised knowing that saying a simple ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ or ‘excuse me’ costs absolutely nothing.
Giving Up Your Seat
When traveling on public transportation, many people from different generations will give up their seats for an elderly person or pregnant woman. This act of kindness is a sign of respect for those in need. Unfortunately, the Gen Z generation doesn’t share this view, so don’t expect them to offer you a seat in public.
Writing Thank-You Notes
According to the New York Times, “While an emailed thanks is a nice gesture, many experts say that, in this virtual age, a traditional, physical note is more powerful than ever.” Today, it’s more likely you will receive a digital thank you, especially from the Gen Z generation.
Avoiding Placing Hands in Pockets
Placing your hands in your pockets never used to be accepted back in the day. It was viewed as being rude or disinterested. Today, Gen Z feels this is overrated, and they argue it’s more of a comfortable posture and doesn’t reveal that someone is being rude or disrespectful.
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