Lisa O
Growing up with Boomer parents left a lasting mark—one that shows up in ways you might not even realize. From how you handle small courtesies to how you think about work, loyalty, and responsibility, their influence is everywhere. If you find yourself holding onto certain habits while the rest of the world moves on, you’re not alone. Here are 15 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs you were definitely raised by a Boomer.
You Always Say “Thank You”—Even to Strangers
Manners weren’t a suggestion in a Boomer household—they were the law. Whether it was a quick “thank you” to the cashier or a smile and nod to someone holding the door, you learned that courtesy was a reflection of character. To this day, you can’t help but offer polite acknowledgments, even in situations where others might stay silent.
You Think Leaving a Voicemail Is Polite
Before texting took over, communication had a structure: you called, and if they didn’t pick up, you left a polite, often detailed, voicemail. Your Boomer parents made sure you understood that calling without leaving a message was rude or inconsiderate. Even now, you hesitate before sending a casual text and often feel a pang of guilt skipping the voicemail.
You’re Weirdly Loyal to Brands
Boomers valued reliability, and brand loyalty was part of that. If your parents bought the same soap or cereal for decades, you absorbed that mindset. Whether it’s your car, sneakers, or favorite peanut butter, you find comfort sticking with the brands you grew up with—trusting them almost feels like trusting family.
You Save Everything—Just in Case
Boomers were shaped by scarcity and taught to waste nothing. As their child, you inherited the “just in case” philosophy. Old cables, spare buttons, wrapping paper, plastic bags—you have a stash somewhere. Even when minimalism trends tempt you, you hear your parents’ voices reminding you, “You never know when you’ll need it.”
You Feel Guilty Taking a Day Off
Work ethic was a badge of honor in Boomer households. You learned that showing up—even when tired or unwell—was what separated dependable people from the rest. Today, when you consider taking a sick day or mental health break, you wrestle with a guilt that feels almost ingrained, as if rest is a luxury rather than a necessity.
You Still Write Checks for Some Bills
Even though digital payments are quick and easy, there’s something about writing a check that feels right. Boomer parents taught you the value of handling money tangibly—seeing the amount and signing your name. You might pay your utilities online, but a checkbook still lives in your drawer, ready for those bills that deserve a personal touch.
You Answer Unknown Numbers
Ignoring a ringing phone was almost unthinkable in your childhood home. Your Boomer parents believed every call could be important. That habit stuck, and now, even though scam calls are everywhere, you find it hard to let an unknown number go unanswered. Screening calls feels like something other people do—not you.
You Think Handwritten Thank-You Notes Matter
Boomers held fast to the idea that gratitude should be thoughtful and sincere. A quick text or email might seem efficient, but for you, a handwritten thank-you note feels like the proper way to show appreciation. You keep a stash of blank cards around for occasions when a simple message won’t do justice to your gratitude.
You Keep Your Landline “Just in Case”
While the world has moved on to smartphones, there’s still a landline tucked into your living space. Maybe you hardly use it, but it represents security—a lifeline during emergencies or blackouts. It’s one of those holdovers from a Boomer upbringing where having a backup plan wasn’t a sign of paranoia but of responsibility.
You Value Privacy—A Lot
Boomer households didn’t air their dirty laundry. Personal matters stayed within the family, and discretion was a sign of maturity. You grew up with an instinct to protect your privacy, and now, in a world that celebrates oversharing, you still think twice before posting anything too personal online.
You Know How to Fold a Fitted Sheet
To many, folding a fitted sheet is an unsolvable puzzle. But not to you. You were taught the technique—corner to corner, tuck and roll—and even if you grumble while doing it, you can’t bring yourself to just ball it up. There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing you can master what others avoid.
You Get Dressed Before Running Errands
Boomer parents wouldn’t be caught dead running errands in sweatpants or pajamas, and they raised you to think the same. Even for a quick trip to the store, you make sure you’re presentable. It’s less about impressing others and more about self-respect—something your parents drilled into you early on.
You Grew Up Eating Leftovers Without Complaints
In a Boomer home, wasting food was almost a sin. Leftovers were repurposed meals, not second-rate options. You grew up eating reheated casseroles and soup from Sunday’s roast, learning to appreciate meals that stretched a dollar and respected the labor that went into them. Even today, you view leftovers as a normal part of life, not a compromise.
You Feel Strange Without a Wristwatch
Before smartphones became everyone’s pocket timekeepers, a wristwatch was essential. You grew up seeing adults glance at their wrists, not their phones. Even now, a bare wrist feels awkward, like you’re missing something important—because you were taught that being on time starts with knowing the time.
You Can’t Stand It When People Don’t RSVP
In Boomer culture, responding to invitations was a basic courtesy. Whether it was a wedding or a backyard barbecue, you RSVP’d—no excuses. Today, when people treat invitations casually or don’t respond at all, it drives you up the wall. To you, an RSVP isn’t just about attendance; it’s about respect for someone else’s effort and planning.