Jace Lamonica
There’s a big difference between respecting tradition and feeling trapped by it. For millennials, some social habits just don’t make sense anymore. They prefer meaningful over mandatory and real over rehearsed. The shift isn’t loud—it’s practical. Here’s a look at the customs they’ve walked away from and why they aren’t coming back.
Handwriting Thank You Notes
A quick emoji or heartfelt text is how most millennials express gratitude today. With the rising cost of stationery and stamps, as well as eco-conscious habits, many opt for digital alternatives. A well-timed GIF or personalized message now gets the job done in seconds.
Strict Dress Codes For Weddings
Comfort and creativity shape wedding outfits today. Whether it’s sneakers with suits or floral jumpsuits, millennials are embracing their personal style. Dress rental apps offer more freedom, and themed or destination weddings inspire guests to wear what feels right, not just what tradition dictates.
Making Phone Calls For Small Talk
Phone calls for casual chatter? Rare these days. Messaging apps and voice notes handle everything from catching up to confirming dinner plans. For many millennials, texting is quicker and less awkward than answering a surprise ring during a busy day.
Asking Parents For Marriage Blessings
For many, relationships are private agreements between partners. Instead of seeking approval, couples often talk openly with family after deciding together. This shift emphasizes equality and mutual respect, moving away from permission-seeking based on outdated norms.
Sending Holiday Cards By Mail
Millennials have traded stamps and envelopes for screens and swipes. With pet photos and family updates already on Instagram, printed holiday cards feel redundant. Between the cost and the effort, many see them as unnecessary.
Always Bringing A Host Gift
Once a polite must, this gesture has become less common among many millennials. Instead of showing up with a scented candle or wine bottle, they often text ahead to ask, “Need snacks or drinks?” Casual hangouts feel more like shared experiences than formal visits requiring etiquette.
Rigid Nine-To-Five Work Hours
Remote jobs and asynchronous work schedules have become increasingly prevalent. Millennials value productivity and outcomes more than punching the clock. Flexibility means a workday might start at 7 AM or after lunch—whatever fits life and still gets results.
Keeping Fine China For Special Occasions
Fancy dishware doesn’t make the registry anymore. Minimalist lifestyles and smaller apartments leave little room for rarely-used plates. Most millennials stick to everyday sets they can toss in the dishwasher and save cabinet space for cookware they’ll actually use.
Writing Checks For Bills
Bank apps and auto-pay settings have fully replaced the checkbook ritual. With 92% preferring digital payments, checks feel like an outdated chore. Even rent and utilities now accept apps or UPI, allowing millennials to manage their money with just a few taps.
Buying Newspapers For News
Scrolling wins. Most of the millennials today catch up on headlines through their phones. Digital access means real-time updates and zero recycling piles. News apps, social platforms, and podcasts make paper editions feel slow and bulky in comparison.
