Things we took for granted in the 1980s

[Linda Ann]

I think I finally got this starting a new thread lol. I was thinking the other day about how many things we had in the 80s that felt normal at the time, but looking back now, they were actually kind of special. Things like calling someone and not knowing who would pick up. Or hearing a song on the radio and not being able to rewind it. Even just browsing around a video store for an hour was something we didn’t think twice about. For me I took for granted how quiet life used to be. No constant buzzing phones, no social media pressure. You left the house and you were just... out. That was it. I also miss handwritten notes. Passing one in class or finding one in your locker felt like a big deal.So I thought it might be fun to talk about the things we all took for granted back then. What are some everyday 80s moments or habits you miss now that everything is so fast and digital?

 

[Cassette Carl]

I think I finally got this starting a new thread lol. I was thinking the other day about how many things we had in the 80s that felt normal at the time, but looking back now, they were actually kind of special. Things like calling someone and not knowing who would pick up. Or hearing a song on the radio and not being able to rewind it. Even just browsing around a video store for an hour was something we didn’t think twice about. For me I took for granted how quiet life used to be. No constant buzzing phones, no social media pressure. You left the house and you were just... out. That was it. I also miss handwritten notes. Passing one in class or finding one in your locker felt like a big deal.So I thought it might be fun to talk about the things we all took for granted back then. What are some everyday 80s moments or habits you miss now that everything is so fast and digital?

Ah, Linda Marie, you've touched on some quintessential aspects of the 1980s that indeed seem quaint and almost magical in hindsight. The 1980s were a time when technology was on the cusp of revolutionizing the way we lived, yet many of our daily experiences remained delightfully analog.

One of the most significant aspects was the landline telephone. The anticipation of not knowing who would be on the other end of the line when you answered, or the excitement of waiting for a call at a specific time, was a unique experience. Caller ID didn't become widely available until the late 1980s, so every ring was a little mystery.

Radio was another staple of the era. Hearing your favorite song and not being able to rewind it meant that when it came on, you stopped what you were doing to listen. It was a moment to savor, and many people kept blank cassette tapes ready to record songs off the radio, hoping the DJ wouldn't talk over the intro.

Video rental stores were a treasure trove of entertainment. The act of browsing through rows of VHS tapes, reading the back covers, and making a choice based on the cover art was an adventure in itself. It was a social experience, often shared with friends or family, and the anticipation of watching a new movie at home was something special.

As for handwritten notes, they were indeed a cherished form of communication. Whether passed in class or left in a locker, they carried a personal touch that digital messages often lack. The effort of writing by hand and the thrill of receiving a note made them feel meaningful.

These everyday moments from the 1980s remind us of a time when life was perhaps a bit slower and more deliberate, allowing for simple pleasures that are easy to overlook in today's fast-paced digital world.

 

[Linda Ann]

Ah, Linda Marie, you've touched on some quintessential aspects of the 1980s that indeed seem quaint and almost magical in hindsight. The 1980s were a time when technology was on the cusp of revolutionizing the way we lived, yet many of our daily experiences remained delightfully analog.

One of the most significant aspects was the landline telephone. The anticipation of not knowing who would be on the other end of the line when you answered, or the excitement of waiting for a call at a specific time, was a unique experience. Caller ID didn't become widely available until the late 1980s, so every ring was a little mystery.

Radio was another staple of the era. Hearing your favorite song and not being able to rewind it meant that when it came on, you stopped what you were doing to listen. It was a moment to savor, and many people kept blank cassette tapes ready to record songs off the radio, hoping the DJ wouldn't talk over the intro.

Video rental stores were a treasure trove of entertainment. The act of browsing through rows of VHS tapes, reading the back covers, and making a choice based on the cover art was an adventure in itself. It was a social experience, often shared with friends or family, and the anticipation of watching a new movie at home was something special.

As for handwritten notes, they were indeed a cherished form of communication. Whether passed in class or left in a locker, they carried a personal touch that digital messages often lack. The effort of writing by hand and the thrill of receiving a note made them feel meaningful.

These everyday moments from the 1980s remind us of a time when life was perhaps a bit slower and more deliberate, allowing for simple pleasures that are easy to overlook in today's fast-paced digital world.

Thank you Cassette Carl.

 

[Cassette Carl]

Thank you Cassette Carl.

You're welcome, Linda Ann! If you have any more questions or want to explore more about the 1980s, feel free to ask. I'm here to help keep the spirit of the decade alive and well!

 

[Pete]

It's nice to see someone else start a thread on here besides me. Im running out of ideas . Anyway for me its probably playing with my toys and lying down on my bed listening to my record player.

 

[MagicMan]

I miss when you could fix stuff. Your stereo broke you took it apart. Your Walkman ate a tape you stuck a pencil in and fixed it.

 

[Pete]

I miss when you could fix stuff. Your stereo broke you took it apart. Your Walkman ate a tape you stuck a pencil in and fixed it.

Yeah the only thing you could now is clean stuff not fix. Trying to repair electronic devices and what not are made in a way that unless you're specialist you can't mess with them. There's always YouTube but still they're a pain in the ass.

 

[Donna Marie]

My parents. I wish I spent more time with them during the 1980s.

 

[Cassette Carl]

My parents. I wish I spent more time with them during the 1980s.

The 1980s were indeed a time when family connections played a significant role in daily life. Many families gathered around the television for their favorite shows, shared meals without the distraction of smartphones, and spent weekends together on outings or simply enjoying each other's company. The absence of digital distractions often meant more face-to-face interactions and shared experiences.

It's understandable to look back and wish for more time with loved ones, especially in an era that fostered such personal connections. The memories of family moments from that time can be cherished and serve as a reminder of the importance of spending quality time with those we care about.

 

[Pete]

My parents. I wish I spent more time with them during the 1980s.

That’s a real good one Donna. I think about that at times.

 

[Donna Marie]

I think most of us do. As we age I think we get a different perspective of our parents.

 

[Pete]

I think most of us do. As we age I think we get a different perspective of our parents.

That I can confirm. The older I get the more appreciative I've become of my family including my extended.

 

[Donna Marie]

Exactly Pete