29 Things Younger Women Do That Baffle (Or Impress) Older Women
Every generation is unique, but the stark difference between Gen Z and Millennial women and their older counterparts is particularly visible in certain things, often leaving older women quite baffled (and sometimes even impressed.)
Wearing Bum-Lifting Leggings
Bum-lifting leggings are a gym wear trend that leaves older women scratching their heads. While they do admire the confidence of those who wear them, older women who grew up worrying if their bums looked too big prefer gym wear that offers more coverage.
The revealing nature of these leggings feels out of place for them, leading to skip these pairs often embraced by younger women.
Injecting Botox
The idea of getting Botox in trapezius muscles for a slimmer appearance is bewildering to older women. They find it surprising that new insecurities are constantly emerging, leading to procedures they never would have considered.
This trend of altering one’s appearance in unexpected ways seems both unnecessary and a bit heartbreaking to them.
The Hook-Up Culture
Older women are perplexed by the hook-up culture prevalent among younger generations. Concerns about STDs and the perceived danger of sleeping with random people make this trend seem risky and incomprehensible to them.
Confidence Around Menstrual Talk
The confidence younger women have around discussing periods and menstrual needs impresses older women. They see a positive shift from their own generation, where such topics were often taboo.
The younger generation’s openness is seen as a step forward in normalizing these discussions. After all, isn’t it normal to discuss how women’s bodies work?
Accepting LGBTQ People
Older women are amazed and impressed by the openness of younger generations towards LGBTQ individuals. They recall a time of widespread intolerance and admire the progress, though they sometimes wish they had grown up in more accepting times.
Settling for Relationships
The tendency of younger generations to settle in relationships just to be coupled up confounds older women. Raised to be independent, many older women can’t understand why younger women don’t prioritize self-improvement and maintaining high standards.
They find it disheartening to see younger women seemingly willing to settle for less rather than focusing on their own growth and happiness.
Sending Pics of their Body to Strangers
The practice of sending pics of bodies to strangers is seen as risky and unnecessary by older women. They feel it’s a trend that should stop, as they see no positive outcome from it.
Using Headphones as Fashion Accessories
The use of headphones (particularly AirPods) as fashion accessories rather than for their intended purpose baffles older women.
They find it strange and unnecessary to wear headphones without listening to anything, viewing it as an odd fashion statement.
Sharing Vulnerabilities Online
The trend of crying online and sharing emotional moments publicly leaves older women puzzled. They find it strange to film oneself in such a vulnerable state and post it for everyone to see.
Embracing Dramatic Lashes
Older women are baffled by the obsession with dramatic lashes.
The idea of using lash shampoo or wearing toy-doll-like lashes feels over the top to them, leaving them utterly confused.
Obsessing Over Eyebrows
The sudden importance placed on eyebrows is another trend that baffles older women. They find it strange that eyebrows (which they see as just two small lines of hair) have become a focal point of beauty routines.
The meticulous effort to make eyebrows look perfect just seems excessive.
Adopting Unique Diet Trends
Older women are often puzzled by the unique and ever-changing diet trends embraced by Gen Z and Millennial women.
From intermittent fasting to keto and veganism, the commitment to these specific diets seems extreme, leaving older women wondering about the long-term health impacts and sustainability of such strict dietary regimens.
The ‘Do It for Instagram’ Mentality
Older women are puzzled by the ‘do it for Instagram’ trend, where younger generations seem more focused on capturing moments for social media rather than enjoying them.
The constant need to film everyday activities, like walking, talking, and eating, often leads to delays and inconveniences for others.
Obsessing Over Celebrities
Intense celebrity obsessions—such as creating conspiracy theories or threatening people over celebrities—bewilder older women. While they had their favorite stars, the current level of devotion seems both excessive and unsettling.
Posting Children’s Photos Online
The habit of young mothers constantly posting their kids’ pictures on social media is puzzling to older women.
They believe children have a right to privacy and worry that this practice violates that right and influences kids to be constantly engaged with social media from a young age.
Extensive Makeup Routines
Older women are often amazed by the extensive makeup routines of younger generations. The ability to switch between different styles for various occasions is impressive, yet the time and effort involved can seem overwhelming.
They appreciate the creativity but prefer a simpler approach.
Revealing Swimsuits
Older women find the trend of wearing revealing swimsuits that go up the butt uncomfortable. They prefer more coverage and comfort, even if it means wearing what might be considered less fashionable.
The focus for them is on practicality and ease rather than following trends.
Adapting to Change
Older women admire the adaptability of younger generations. They appreciate how young people aren’t afraid to leave a job if it doesn’t make them happy—contrasting it with their own experiences of staying in unfulfilling jobs out of loyalty.
This willingness to seek better opportunities impresses older women who remember enduring miserable work environments.
Obsessing Over Partner’s Locations
The obsession with constantly knowing a partner’s location baffles older women.
They view this need for constant updates as a potential red flag, indicating a lack of trust and independence in relationships. The reliance on apps to track each other’s movements feels way too excessive to them.
Getting Plastic Surgery for Non-Critical Issues
Younger people’s willingness to undergo plastic surgery for non-critical issues baffles older women. They see this trend as a sign of insecurity and worry about the risks and complications associated with such procedures.
Concerns include infection, anesthetic complications, fluid buildup, delayed healing, blood clots, and excessive bruising or bleeding.
Mastering Makeup Techniques
The makeup skills of younger women amaze older generations.
The ability to create different looks for various occasions (thanks to online tutorials) is undoubtedly impressive, but older women find the process time-consuming and expensive, preferring a more straightforward approach to their own beauty routines.
Creating Artistic Kids’ Lunches
Older women are confused by the trend of making kids’ lunches look like works of art. They believe simple and nutritious food, like bread crust, is perfectly fine without the need for elaborate presentation.
Prioritizing Mental Health
The prioritization of mental health by younger generations is a trend that older women find admirable. They notice how openly Gen Z and Millennials talk about therapy, self-care, and mental well-being—topics that were often taboo back then.
This shift towards destigmatizing mental health struggles is seen as a positive change, encouraging more people to seek help and support when needed.
Living Through Social Media
The pressure younger generations feel to cultivate a social media persona surprises older women. They appreciate the increased acceptance but are concerned about the constant documentation and the pressure it brings.
Losing Boundaries
The lack of boundaries in sharing personal lives online leaves older women perplexed. They value privacy and worry that younger people might regret their openness as they age.
Using Apps for Everything
The reliance on apps for everything from grocery shopping to dating and fitness tracking baffles older women. They marvel at the convenience but worry about the dependency on technology and the potential loss of personal interaction and privacy.
Sharing Problems on Social Media
Older women are puzzled by the trend of sharing personal problems on social media. They believe that airing issues online isn’t a solution and often suggest taking a break from social media instead.
The public nature of these posts feels unproductive and even harmful perspective.
Self-Care Rituals
The elaborate self-care rituals adopted by younger generations, such as skincare routines, meditation, and wellness practices, often leave older women intrigued.
They appreciate the focus on well-being but sometimes find the extensive time and resources devoted to these rituals excessive.
Sharing Location for Safety
Older women appreciate the trend of sharing locations among friends and family.
They see it as a positive development that enhances safety, allowing everyone to feel more secure knowing where their loved ones are at all times.