Let’s be honest: none of us wants to be that person.
You know the one I’m talking about—the uncle at the barbecue who can’t stop telling the same story from the 80s, or the coworker who insists on printing every email. People roll their eyes, avoid sitting next to them, or worse, mute them in group chats.
The truth is, some habits just make us look out of touch. I’ve been around long enough to see these habits creep in, not only in myself at times but in plenty of friends my age too.
The good news? Once you spot them, you can drop them—and instantly come across as more relatable, approachable, and yes, a lot less cringey.
So, here are seven things that might be making you the boomer everyone dodges (even if they won’t say it to your face).
1. Talking nonstop about “the good old days”
There’s nothing wrong with a little nostalgia. I love telling my grandkids about my first job or how I grew up without smartphones.
But here’s the catch: if every conversation turns into a history lesson, people start tuning out.
Think about it: how many times have you heard someone start with, “Back in my day…” and immediately felt your attention wander?
Younger folks especially want to connect in the present, not sit through endless reruns of the past.
A good rule of thumb? Share a story when it’s relevant, but balance it by asking questions. Show genuine curiosity about what life is like for them today.
Conversations are a two-way street, and if we spend all our time facing the rearview mirror, we miss what’s happening right in front of us.
2. Complaining about “kids these days”
Ah yes, the classic line: “They don’t work as hard as we did.”
I’ve heard it (and if I’m being honest, I’ve said it a few times myself). But every generation has been accused of being lazy or entitled. My parents thought we had it easy, and their parents thought the same before them.
The reality? Young people today face challenges we never had—skyrocketing housing costs, constant digital noise, and the pressure of living in a world that’s always “on.” Criticizing them doesn’t bridge the gap; it widens it.
Instead of complaining, why not ask questions? Try to understand what pressures they’re under. You may not agree with all their choices, but you’ll be surprised at how much respect you earn simply by listening instead of judging.
3. Overusing outdated slang or emojis
Here’s one that stings a little. You might think you’re being hip by saying “groovy” or throwing the laughing-crying emoji into every text, but to younger people, it screams “I’m trying too hard.”
Language changes fast. Slang that once made you sound cool can suddenly make you sound… well, like someone’s dad at a high school party. Same with emoji habits. (Yes, apparently even the thumbs-up emoji has been declared “passive-aggressive” by Gen Z. Don’t ask me, I just live here.)
Does that mean you can’t use emojis or old expressions? Of course not. But if you lean on them too much, you risk coming across as dated.
My approach? Stick to plain language most of the time. If I throw in an emoji, it’s because it fits naturally, not because I’m trying to pass as 25 again.
4. Insisting your way is always the right way
Here’s a story: back when I worked in an office, I had a colleague who refused to use email. He said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and insisted everything be done by phone or fax.
The problem? It was broken. The rest of us had moved on, and his stubbornness slowed everyone down.
That same attitude pops up in lots of little ways. Maybe you insist that face-to-face meetings are always better (even when a quick message would do). Or you correct people on how they should dress, work, or raise their kids—because “that’s how it’s always been done.”
The world changes. Some of those changes are silly, but others are genuine improvements. If we can’t stay flexible, we don’t just look out of touch—we become out of touch.
A better strategy? Stay curious. Try things their way once in a while. Who knows, you might actually like it.
5. Oversharing personal opinions at the wrong time
Ever been stuck sitting next to someone who gives their take on everything—politics, fashion, music, parenting—even when nobody asked? That’s a fast way to clear a room.
I’ll never forget a dinner where one relative went on a 15-minute rant about how “real music ended in the 70s.” You could practically hear the groans around the table. Here’s the thing: opinions are fine, but timing matters. Constantly pushing yours can make people feel cornered.
The trick is to share sparingly and selectively. If someone asks what you think, by all means, give an honest answer. But if you find yourself jumping in just to prove a point, it may be better to hold back.
Sometimes the wisest move is letting the conversation flow without needing to dominate it.
6. Refusing to learn basic technology
This one might hit home. I’ve met plenty of people my age who proudly say, “I don’t do smartphones” or “I’ll never use social media.” I get it—it can be overwhelming. But refusing to learn the basics doesn’t make you noble, it makes life harder for you and everyone who has to help you.
Picture this: your grandkid sends you a link to their graduation photos, but you can’t open it because you don’t “do” cloud storage. Or your coworkers have to print things out for you because you won’t learn how to use a shared drive. That’s not charming, it’s frustrating.
You don’t have to be a tech whiz. Nobody’s expecting you to code an app or go viral on TikTok. But learning the essentials—texting, video calls, online forms—keeps you connected and shows you respect other people’s time. Plus, it’s not as hard as you might think. I promise, if I can figure out Zoom calls, anyone can.
7. Dismissing new ideas before giving them a chance
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “That’ll never work” the moment someone suggests something new?
I know I have. It’s a reflex that comes from experience—we’ve seen plenty of fads come and go. But if we shut down every fresh idea too quickly, we risk sounding cynical or negative.
Take remote work, for example. When it first became popular, lots of older folks scoffed at it. “You can’t get anything done unless you’re in the office!” Fast forward a few years, and it’s clear that many people thrive working from home.
The point is, not every new idea is brilliant—but not every one is doomed either. Keeping an open mind, or at least asking questions before judging, shows flexibility and keeps you relevant in conversations. After all, curiosity has no expiration date.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, we all have little quirks that might make us seem out of touch. I’m guilty of a few of these myself.
But here’s the difference: if you’re willing to laugh at yourself and make small adjustments, people will want to be around you. If you cling stubbornly to old habits, well… you risk being the one everyone avoids at the party.
So here’s my question for you: which of these habits have you caught yourself doing, and which one are you ready to let go of first?
