Posted on 09/22/2025 3:59:37 AM PDT by CIB-173RDABN
Now that I’m retired, with more time behind me than ahead, I find myself looking back a lot more than forward. I’ve been reflecting on the changes I’ve seen — not just in the world at large, but right here at home, in the way families like mine spend time together.
When I was young, family fun meant something simple. Back in the 1950s, when money was tight for most folks, we didn’t need expensive outings to enjoy ourselves. A picnic at the park, a day at the beach, just a walk around the block, or a Sunday drive in the country were enough to make a weekend special. Gas was cheap, and the family would pile into the car, not knowing what we’d find around the next curve. The kids would play outside until the streetlights came on, and those spontaneous moments often became the best memories.
Little league games weren’t big productions. The gear was basic, and everyone helped out. Families gathered on the sidelines, sharing hot dogs and cheering each other on. It was easy to be active, to be social, and to be together — all without breaking the bank.
But things have changed.
These days, much of the “fun” seems to happen indoors, in front of screens — streaming shows, gaming, or watching videos online. It’s convenient, sure, and I get why it’s popular. But sometimes I can’t help but miss the noise, the movement, and the faces of real people.
Going out these days isn’t as simple as it once was. Ticket prices, gas, food, and parking all seem to keep climbing. Even youth sports, which once brought communities together, have become costly commitments. Families now face expensive equipment, travel fees, club dues — things we never thought twice about back then.
I wonder, what have we lost along the way?
I don’t often see children playing outside in the neighborhood anymore. Back when I was young, the streets were full of kids on their way to and from school, and even more were out playing until dark. Now, it feels like those sounds have faded. Instead, I often see them heading inside, where they’re playing games on their phones or watching screens.
I don’t know if those days are gone for good. But I do wonder if we can find ways to bring that kind of fun back — affordable, simple, and together.
What family traditions or simple pleasures do you remember from your younger days? Do you think there’s room to revive those moments today, even with the changes we face?
Can't make a joke today. You'll get cancelled.
One of the funniest odd things I have noticed is that women I know who all got their PhDs and MDs in the 70s and early 80s all have daughters who could not get into advanced programs.
All the moms were essentially affirmative actioned into these programs, and the kids didn’t have that help. You had to work for your tickets as just a white woman by the 00s
The only people I heard saying that was feminists EVER! You will never get me to believe otherwise. I grew up during that time and most women had it good and they knew it.
Then feminists came along and whined that women couldn’t be like men and work like men and look what it got us.
Sorry but I think you are just spewing feminism. I was alive in the 60’s and feminism started to take off in the 70’s and that is when society started to fall apart.
Now women have more choices than ever before, and they still complain they don’t have enough. The truth is women have never been more miserable than now. Now is where women are ridiculed for being stay at home wives, trad wives, and for remaining monogamous.
Feminism, which claims to have freed women to do anything has made them more miserable and is a cancer on society.
Like I said, I was talking about the 1960’s and earlier and what laid the groundwork for the influence of the feminist movement. Yes top scoring women were rejected in favor of lower scoring men. The fact that it’s reversed now doesn’t change the past Lower scoring women back then didn’t bother complaining back then. You could either produce the GPA and test scores or you couldn’t.
I did not know there was a computer science degree in the 1950’s. The computer science departments with which I’m familiar were developed in the 60’s and early 70’s. The faculties came from really varied backgrounds.
“I grew up during that time and most women had it good and they knew it”
Think about that statement. If most women knew they had it good,
why did they abandon a better way of life for a worse one ? AND teach their daughters to do the same.
Feminists did whine about wanting everything men had. Why did it work? Why did people believe that what women had wasn’t good. It was not all outside forces doing that.
Even now the phrases empowering women and girl power is about making women like men.
BTW - When I became a mother, I dumped the career. I knew I was going to be counter cultural and it was.
They were pretty much forced to. Most women did not want to go to work. Big business liked it cause it drove down wages due to many more people in the work force.
Now it is hard for one person to pay the way and most women HAVE to work, not that they want to.
Now most women are falling for the lies and thinking they have it bad. Female slut culture is celebrated, and women are encouraged to be like men and sleep with as many men as you want, then you can settle down. And then they are shocked that men find that repulsive.
Giving women the right to vote lead to the downfall of this great country. You can literally track the leftward march since that day in 1920.
Being old myself, I understand his feelings. I myself remember many fun things we used to do as a family. I will occasionally go out with my family,but it seems we just don’t have as many common interests any more. Sometimes, we can’t handle the same foods or vigorous activities when we get old.
I read your post and my consciousness was invaded by an old jingle: “My beer is Rheingold the dry beer.” It is well over 50 years since I’ve thought of that. Brought a smile to my face. Thank you.
Americans have stopped having children.
Sad, but true. I was outside as much as possible. Punishment for me was to weed the garden or mow the lawn or vacuum or some other chore on top of the chores I already had. I survived.
You’re quite welcome, and here’s another beer lost...Ballantine and the 3 rings.
Bump for later read.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.