23 Things That Used to be Considered Rude But Are Normal Now

Do you ever travel back in time in your mind? Whenever I rewind the clock, I’m often confronted with the sad truth that times change, and with that, so do certain tolerances for things. 

I want to share with you a theory that I have. I think that so many things once known as rude, are just normal now. The more I dig on this, the more I discover.

Check out my list of 23 things  and tell me if you agree or not! 

#1 Not answering the phone

The phone once rang, and we’d pick it up. We wouldn’t look to see who was calling (that option wasn’t always even available!), we’d just answer it politely and be ready for a conversation.

Now? Now we stare at it until it goes to voicemail, then we rush to listen to see what the person wanted.

#2 Eating while on the go

Eat, walk, eat, work, eat, sit on a train. Where are meal times? Why don’t we have the time to sit and appreciate our food at a certain time or place? 

We’ve mastered the ability to multi-task, which I personally think has led to a less mindful approach to what we are putting in our stomachs.

#3 Ghosting

Disappearing without saying a word? It can have a horrible effect on people. Not knowing what you did wrong, or what happened can leave a door that needs to be shut wide open.

Ghosting is never your fault, but sadly, it’s pretty standard in today’ dating world due to the ease of blocking, removing or ignoring. 

#4 Not sending thank-you notes

Do you remember having to send thank-you notes as a kid? I know I did, and while I may not have been over the moon about sending them, it was the polite thing to do.

Now?

It’s either a quick text, or nothing at all. Nobody seems to take the time any more. 

#5 Talking to yourself in public

If you talked to yourself in public, you were considered somebody who might need a little help!

With the wireless world we live in now, I am forever seeing people walking and talking down the street, seemingly to themselves. 

Except they could be in a meeting, or in deep discussion with a loved one.

#6 Wearing hats indoors

This was once a huge no-no, but yet I see people sitting in restaurants wearing them now. Nobody bats an eyelid!

#7 Showing up late

Being fashionably late as people liked to call it was once rude. Tell us if you’re going to be late at least!

With today’s busy world, it’s almost expected. And even though there are a million ways to let somebody know you will be late, people still refuse to commit to that. 

Just be on time!

#8 Online dating

Can you remember the days where there was a stigma around online dating?

People would be so rude to those who met online, and it was almost rude to ignore the people in the world they lived in.

Now, it seems to be how everybody meets. Nobody is remotely shocked at that. 

#9 Taking selfies in public

Taking selfies in public used to be considered so narcissistic and rude, but it’s just one of those things now that more people are used to. 

Personally, I still find it quite rude when people evidently have no care for taking up space or views for influencer type selfies or photos.

I have learned to appreciate the fun selfies a little more, which is proof that they’re considered normal now!

#10 Talking about money

Nobody ever used to talk about money or how much you earned! It’s only now that people seem to find it acceptable to brag, and trust me, I still find that somewhat rude. 

Yet more people tolerate it.

#11 Bringing store-bought food to a gathering

Imagine! Back in the day you’re asked somewhere, and you take (gasp), a store-bought food item instead of sweating over the stove and bringing something you made. 

It’s par for the course now, with busier lives being the excuse. 

#12 Canceling plans last-minute

What was once a betrayal is now just, “You know what? I’m not feeling it tonight. I think I’ll give it a miss.”

And people are okay with it. I get things happen, but it seems like it’s more of an excuse a lot of the time.

#13 Wearing leggings as pants

The fashion police would have arrested you back in the day for being so rude! And now? Leggings are worn as pants, and that’s just the way it is. 

#14 Using emojis in professional emails

Emojis were once seen as totally unprofessional. They were almost children’s buttons, but now even the highest positions add them to their correspondence. 

Oh, how the times change!

#15 Not answering the door

Are you hiding because somebody is at the door? Or are you simply refusing to acknowledge the knocking? Once upon a time, that would be the height of rudeness. Now it’s just what people do without so much as a blink. 

#16 Watching TV during dinner

Was it once thought to be a treat for you? Mostly, it was the table or nothing. Where have manners gone? Is it just more simple to eat in front of the TV now?

It is the routine for so many people, but once upon a time it would have been totally frowned upon. 

#17 Skipping “hello” in a text

Where are the formalities? 

Not even a hello, let alone a, how are you?!

People are now more direct than ever, and they don’t feel the need to address others properly. 

#18 Not standing up when someone enters the room

People used to stand if somebody new walked into a room, and even those who were in a position of authority. Now, nobody even looks or notices. 

Times are certainly different to how they used to be!

#19 Ordering food delivery instead of cooking

How insulting to the person who loves to cook to always opt for a takeout? 

Nowadays, it’s the go-to food service that most people opt for. 

#20 Wearing sneakers with everything

Sneakers have their place, but do people really need to wear them with everything? Whatever happened to dressing smartly, or even just without the sporty shoe look?

#21 Swearing in casual conversation

Cussing was once a big no for us as a society. We appreciated that certain language wasn’t helpful or respectful, but now, it’s just what people do. An F here or there is not as cool as you think it might be. 

#22 Ignoring social media messages

This used to be such a rude thing to do. If somebody messaged or left a note on your wall, you’d get back right away. 

Now? People do it all the time, without a hint of remorse!

#23 Asking for the Wi-Fi password immediately

You’d never do this even a few years ago! Now, it’s the one thing that will willingly encourage people to step into somebody else’s house.

“Can I have your password?”

What that usually means is they are planning on not being very present while they visit!