As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of iconic films like The Breakfast Club, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how life has transformed since the mid-’80s. Here are ten notable changes—or perhaps some surprising constants—that define our journey over the past few decades.
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Employment
1985: Secured a part-time gig at a local diner, earning a cool $3.50 an hour!
2023: Now, I’m getting paid to write! The freelance rate still hovers around that nostalgic $3.50 per hour. -
Waiting (A.K.A. ‘The Art of Holding Out’)
1985: I anxiously awaited a phone call from that cute guy I met at the beach.
2023: Now, I’m glued to my phone, waiting for my child’s soccer schedule to be posted. -
Snacks
1985: Ruffles potato chips with a side of sour cream and onion dip were the ultimate indulgence.
2023: Duh, I should have invested in Lipton Onion Soup Mix back then. -
Movies
1985: The Breakfast Club debuted, and I was told I resembled Ally Sheedy! The eternal question: which version?
2023: Watching The Breakfast Club with my kids is a whole new experience. My teen is mortified, while my 11-year-old laughs at the parts I had forgotten. (Note to self: keep the original Bad News Bears screening a secret.) -
Favorite Jeans
1985: I saved up my diner paycheck for an $85 pair of paisley Guess jeans, which tragically met their end when I swapped them for grey Hanes sweatpants. My college diet didn’t help!
2023: I found those paisley Guess jeans online for just $19. They’re likely discounted because of the “super skinny” label. Women of all ages seem to prefer comfort over style—bring on the Hanes sweatpants! -
Parking Skills
1985: I barely managed to parallel park a Pontiac station wagon during driver’s ed. My instructor was relieved when I passed the test.
2023: Still can’t parallel park, but I’ve become a pro at backing into tight spaces. Just the other day, I squeezed my minivan between two luxury cars and had to slide out the back door. Oops! -
Trophies
1985: I accepted that I’d never win a trophy and pretended it was no big deal.
2023: Big news, folks! You can now purchase trophies for yourself—some even double as wine stoppers. Isn’t America grand? -
Concerts
1985: Prince’s Purple Rain tour was legendary. Who could forget the bathtub scene?
2023: Sure, Taylor Swift has a fabulous wardrobe and catchy tunes, but let’s be honest—nothing compares to the magic of the ’80s. -
Sleep Patterns
1985: I enjoyed a solid nine hours of sleep, with school running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No caffeine needed!
2023: Local high schools now start at 7:20 a.m., and coffee is my best friend. My teen isn’t there yet, but it’s only a matter of time. -
Friendships
1985: I chose my friends carefully.
2023: Still choosing wisely—loving my kids’ friends too. Remember, relationships matter far more than competitive soccer leagues or AP classes. Trust me, I’ve been around long enough to know.
Bonus Material: Did you know that the song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” an ode to Ruffles and dip, was penned by Prince in 1985? Sinead O’Connor made it famous later on, but let’s be real: Prince always reigns supreme. What if his purple bathtub was filled with sour cream and onion dip? I’d bring the chips!
In conclusion, while technology and societal norms may have shifted drastically, many aspects of life remain surprisingly consistent. For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and consider exploring this post for additional insights. And for the DIY enthusiasts, you can find reputable At-home insemination syringe kits online.
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