Not long ago, while getting my hair done, my stylist mentioned she wouldn’t want to revisit her high school days. That’s a pity because, for the Class of ’82 at my high school, those years were pretty awesome! Sure, we faced typical teen challenges like crushes, acne, and the dreaded SAT, but I look back with nothing but fond memories. Time has conveniently erased many of those embarrassing moments, leaving me with just the fun stuff. Growing up in the late ’70s and early ’80s taught us some invaluable lessons that today’s teens may not even comprehend.
1. We Mastered the Art of Patience.
Saturday morning cartoons were a big deal, and we had to wait an entire week to catch our favorites. Binge-watching wasn’t an option—no Netflix or YouTube for us! Instead, we’d eagerly anticipate our cereal-filled mornings with a glass of Donald Duck orange juice, settling in for a few hours of cartoon bliss.
2. We Learned to Embrace Differences.
At school, there was a guy named Jake with a disability, and he was beloved by everyone—students, teachers, and even the lunch staff. Why? Because he was just so charismatic and fun! We didn’t need special programs to teach us kindness; we figured it out by simply hanging out together.
3. We Understood the Value of Limits.
With only three TV channels and PBS, we learned to appreciate what we had. Our M&M choices were limited to plain and peanut—no crazy flavors! Video games were basic, with classics like Pong and Space Invaders. We didn’t have fancy diets either; we just had “food.” Our snacks of choice? Slim Jims and Pringles washed down with a Tab. And we survived!
4. We Got Creative with Resources.
Remember study hall? Sure, it was meant for studying, but we turned it into a creative playground. From folding paper into footballs to making massive gum wrapper chains, we knew how to make fun out of what we had. Studying was optional!
5. We Practiced Real Communication Skills.
Talking on a landline meant hours of chatting with friends, navigating awkward conversations with parents who picked up the phone. We rang doorbells instead of texting from our cars, and the thrill of passing a handwritten note was unmatched. Sure, texting is convenient, but where’s the adventure in that?
6. We Were Spoiled with Epic Entertainment.
From unforgettable movies to legendary music, we truly experienced a golden age. John Hughes crafted films that defined my teenage years, like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. We jammed to the likes of Queen and Michael Jackson at prom, and MTV was a music-lover’s paradise—back when it actually played music videos!
Ah, the nostalgia! If you’re curious about more insights, take a look at our other blog posts, including this one on terms and conditions. Plus, if you’re interested in pregnancy resources, check out this excellent guide on women’s health. And for those looking to start a family from home, you might want to explore more at BabyMaker.
In summary, growing up in the ’70s and ’80s meant learning important life skills that today’s teens may find hard to relate to, from patience and resourcefulness to embracing differences and honing communication skills. It was a unique time that shaped us in ways we continue to cherish.