Social etiquette has evolved, especially in the age of texting, casual Fridays, and dinner on the couch. But for many Boomers, certain manners still hold strong. These are the rules they grew up with and continue to respect, even as younger generations see them as unnecessary or old-fashioned. While some may seem overly formal today, they offer a glimpse into a more structured, polite world. Let’s look at seven etiquette rules that Boomers often still follow, even if the rest of us have quietly let them go.
1. Always Send a Thank-You Note
For Boomers, a handwritten thank-you note is the gold standard of gratitude. Whether it’s for a birthday gift, a dinner party, or even a job interview, they believe a note is the proper way to show appreciation. While texts and emails now do the trick for most people, many Boomers view digital messages as too casual or lazy. To them, writing out a card, addressing the envelope, and dropping it in the mail shows true effort. It’s a slower process, but one that still holds emotional value for them.
2. Don’t Call After 9 PM
Boomers often treat 9 PM as the firm cutoff for phone calls. Anything later is seen as intrusive or even alarming. Growing up, a late-night call usually meant bad news, not a casual chat. Even today, many Boomers instinctively check the clock before dialing. With smartphones and 24/7 connectivity now the norm, younger generations think nothing of sending a message or hopping on a call at midnight. But for Boomers, evening phone etiquette remains tied to a quieter, more private time when boundaries were clear.
3. Dress Up for Travel
Boomers were raised in an era when people dressed up to fly, visit a restaurant, or even go shopping downtown. It was expected that people would wear slacks, polished shoes, and blouses. That mindset still lingers, especially at airports, where many Boomers quietly cringe at the sight of pajamas and flip-flops. They associate neat clothing with respect, dignity, and self-presentation. While today’s comfort-first attitude dominates most public spaces, Boomers still hold on to the idea that dressing well reflects personal values and social awareness.
4. Don’t Talk About Money in Public
Discussing salaries, rent prices, or even how much you paid for a meal is often seen as rude by Boomers. They were taught that money talk is personal and best kept behind closed doors. Today, conversations about finances are more open, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, who swap salary details to ensure fairness and transparency. But Boomers still view this as inappropriate, even if the intention is helpful. To them, talking about money in public feels boastful or invasive, even when it’s just casual sharing.
5. Always Bring Something to a Party
Boomers rarely show up to someone’s house empty-handed. A bottle of wine, a dessert, or even flowers are considered good manners and a sign of respect for the host’s effort. Bringing something is just what you do, regardless of how formal or informal the event is. Younger guests often skip this step, especially when invited to relaxed gatherings. But for Boomers, arriving without a small token feels inconsiderate. It’s a gesture rooted in the belief that hospitality should be met with appreciation and thoughtfulness.
6. Use Formal Titles Until Invited Otherwise
Many Boomers default to calling people Mr., Mrs., or Dr. until permitted to use first names. It’s not about distance, but about respect. Using titles shows recognition of someone’s status or experience, especially in professional or older circles. Today’s norm is far more relaxed, with even bosses and professors often inviting first-name use. But Boomers are more hesitant to drop the formality, especially when interacting with someone new. It reflects the structure they were raised with, where titles marked social and generational boundaries.
7. Write in Cursive
Boomers often take pride in their cursive handwriting, which they were required to learn and perfect in school. For them, a handwritten card or letter is an art form as well as a matter of courtesy. Many still use cursive for everything from grocery lists to birthday notes. Younger generations, raised on keyboards and screens, often struggle to read or write it at all. Despite this shift, Boomers remain loyal to their loops and flourishes. To them, cursive represents a personal touch and a disappearing skill worth preserving.