Under Grumpa's Hat

As I’m aging, I realize that I’m turning into my parents and at times, into my grand-parents even. A few years ago, I would have said that this is NOT a good thing but now, I find that I really don’t mind. In fact, the more I gain in age and maturity, the more I understand the generations that preceded me on this earth. I have reached the stage in my life where I understand that not all changes are… good changes.

I have decided to create a list of things that I just cannot relate to, things that I simply don’t understand. And I know that I’m not alone thinking that way. I also know that many people in every generation (even the latest) will be able to relate to at least some of them.

✧ The need to tell and show a bunch of people what you’re eating. Newsbreak: people don’t care!

✧ The need to tell a bunch of people where you are at any given time, and with whom. The world isn’t focused on you.

✧ Portraying your life as better than it really is on social media. If your life is miserable, making it look better on social media won’t improve the truth.

✧ The need to have hundreds of “friends” on social media. Feel needed or something? How many of them will be at your funeral, you think?

✧ This infatuation and need for validation, with counting followers or “likes” on social media. It’s as worthy as Monopoly money.

✧ This need to be right at all cost, and this incapability to admit being wrong from time to time. A bit of humility and integrity would go a long way. Everyone is wrong from time to time. Admit it and move on.

✧ This horrible habit of putting down the people who disagree with your point of view. I guess when you’re out of solid argument, putting them down is your last resource, right?

✧ The need to be different, to the point of creating new genders or being non-gender. Every species has two genders. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel and use that creativity to focus on finding solutions to real issues.

✧ Dramatization: Being offended by anything and everything. Again, the world doesn’t revolve around you and your feelings! Learn to respect that not everyone thinks like you.

✧ Wanting to take down statues, images on products, because of today’s standards, therefore cutting important ties to our history. What we know now doesn’t change the way the world was then and certainly doesn’t take away the good these people have done.

✧ Exaggeration: this need to feel like you are living “the best ever”, or the “worst ever” events or times. Most times, it’s just not true… except in your entitled head.

✧ The need for constantly being “connected”, with phones and/or other electronics. You are ruining your life, relationships, and are missing out on real events, the beauty that this earth has to offer.

✧ People who show pictures of their kids on social media, but not photos of themselves. Why? What’s good for you isn’t good for them?

✧ Washing your dirty laundry on social media. What’s happening in your house should stay in your house… or seek help through professionals if your life is that miserable.

✧ People who post a teaser on social media, hoping people will ask questions. Things like “I can’t believe this is happening…” or “Rest in peace” without naming the person, etc… Your need for attention reeks!

✧ Internet keyboard warriors who bully through social media, often hiding behind a username… Practice this: If you can’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it. If you must do it, do it in person.

✧ Parents who feel like only their child does great things. It’s okay to be proud, but take a chill pill. Other children do the same thing.

✧ People who turn every conversation about them. How many times is someone telling a story

✧ The loss of the art of listening. Hearing is not the same as truly listening. Learn to shut up and pay attention to what a loved one is actually telling you. Don’t allow your head wander and think of what to say.

I’m sure if I sat here longer, I would come up with more. But what’s the point. I don’t have enough years ahead of me to learn the reasons for many behaviours. I don’t have the time, the energy nor do I have the will to waste time doing that. Life is too short, there are too many beautiful things to focus on, than to solve everyone’s problems. But if everyone made just a bit of an effort and learn at an earlier age, this amazing life lesson, their life would be better… longer.