Sure, we're happy we don't have to curtsey when we meet someone or wear white gloves to tea, but there are some retro customs and fashions that might be worth reviving.
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1
Handwritten Love Letters
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There's a sweetness and innocence to reading old love letters—whether they're from our great-grandparents during World War II or our own younger selves.
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2
Recipe Cards
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It's incredibly convenient to search for recipes digitally any time you need them. But it it's much nicer to use a card your mom or friend wrote out for you.
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3
Modesty
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In this age of nothing's-off-limits, would it be so awful to be a teeny bit retiring in dress, behavior, or speech occasionally? We think not. (Though it's heartening that modest wedding dresses are trending.)
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4
Dressing Up
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Super-casual is the dress code for almost every event nowadays. But any gathering feels more special when you swap athleisure for a cute outfit.
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5
Potluck Dinners
Cedric Angeles
Because who doesn't love a Jell-O salad or an icebox cake?
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6
Baby Books
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Too bad they're something that's hardly done any more, because they really do grow up too fast.
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7
Memorizing Phone Numbers
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It's all fine until your smartphone crashes to the ground or gets wet.
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8
Saying 'Sir' and 'Ma'am'
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Seems too stiff and formal? Maybe it's because we've all become accustomed to everyday rudeness.
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9
Privacy
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Enough said!
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10
Printed Photos
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How fascinating it was to leaf through our grandparents' black and white albums and our parent's faded Polaroids.
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11
Curves
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From Renaissance nudes to the Golden Age of Hollywood, curves ruled. Let's bring that "trend" back!
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12
Calling Someone
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Texting or posting "Happy Birthday" isn't quite the same as hearing you sing off-key but with love.
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13
Doing Math in Your Head
Universal
Maybe we should all try not using the calculator app until after figuring out the tip once in a while.
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14
Knowing Your Neighbors by Name
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And having block parties!
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15
Paper Address Books
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They never crash and lose all your contacts and birthday reminders.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.