The world is an ever changing place.
In addition to continuing advancements in technology, human behavior also continues to evolve.
As a result, what might have seemed "normal" 50 years ago might seem far-fetched today, while things which we today consider "normal" might never have even crossed the mind of anyone back then.
Making everything we consider "normal" among the many things in this world that continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
Redditor Primary_Berry_3560 was curious to hear what "normal" everyday things were anything but normal fifty years ago, leading them to ask:
"What is normal now but wasn’t normal 50 years ago (1972)?"
We could just leave whenever we wanted to!
"Knowing where your kids are 100% of the time."- bradland
We're all wired up today!
"No one had a computer in their house in 1972."- tcharp01
Buckle up!
"Car seats for children."
"And most of the time we sat in the back seat with no seat belts available."- Rosemoorstreet
"Wearing seatbelts."
"There were no sensors- seatbelt were just shoved out of the way."
"Carding for cigarettes."
"Machines were everywhere for anyone to use."- factchecker8515
buckle up crash test dummies GIF by ADWEEKGiphyIn the old days, we had one chance!
"Watching an entire TV series at a time that's convenient for you."
"VCR's weren't even a thing 50 years ago, so if your favorite show was on Wednesday at 8PM, you were either at home to watch it or you missed out on it forever."- DeathSpiral321
Music on demand!
"Listening to the song you want to where you want to, rather than whatever is playing wherever you are."- jfincher42
GiphyBeing beholden to a landline!
"I am amazed to think about how disconnected we were."
"I could wake up on a Saturday morning and start calling friends."
"It was possible that not a single one picked up the phone and that was that."
"I would be on my own unless I waited a few hours and tried again."
"Also, in my area, the adults in the house almost always answered the phone so you had to get through them to your friends."
“'Hello, is Johnny home?'”
"'Hi this is his mother, what do you want?'”
“'I was wooooondering if he could come out to play'.”
“'Well he’s doing homework right now but I’ll tell him you called'.”
"As a kid, our times were divided between when we were 100% under adult control, which was when we were physically in their presence, and when we were free which was all other time."- Mrmidhoratio
"Asking 'Where are you?' when someone answers their phone."- brontosproximo
Shocked Phone Call GIFGiphyNo wonder they were all so tan...
"Regularly wearing sunscreen."- dixius99
It's amazing to see how much the world has changed in such a relatively short amount of time.
Leaving us to wonder what things will be "normal" 50 years from now, which today the very thought of would make us burst out laughing.
They say a diamond is forever. But is it just a saying or is there a modicum of truth to that?
Gifts are meant to aid or to lift the morale of the receiver, if they're done well. A good gift will completely re-tool the life of the person it's given to and it will stay that way.
But which gifts are the ones that truly last?
u/nateabe6 asked:
"What is a gift that will last a lifetime?"
Here were some of those answers.
Límon
As silly as it may sound (and it needs space): a tree.
We were given a small lemon-tree ages ago, and each year got so many good lemons. A lemon-tree lives for about 50 years, so not necessarily a lifetime, but you get the idea ;-)
Fiscal Responsibility
Honestly, teaching someone financial responsibility. When I was 18, someone gifted me a class. I thought what a terrible gift. I'm nearing 24 now, and never been more grateful to that person.
Take A Look; It's In A Book
If they're a reader, a good book. They may only read it once, but the lessons and feelings of the journey will stay with them. If they're not a reader, still a good book is a good choice, just try to make it one they have a strong inherent interest in from the get-go.
Cawlidge
Debt free education. Was lucky to have a single mom that somehow supported me all the way through college. Cue multiple offers upon graduating, i had the power to walk away from any offer as there was no pressure to repay any loans. It gives you the confidence to play hardball in the interview, which vastly improves your prospects.
Changing Your Story
Love. Especially growing up with it. It really changes the way you see the world and how you treat others. My boyfriend came from a lovely family who care for him (and I) immensely. My family? Talk sh*t all the time, say rude things, and didn't give me all that much affection. He's confident, aware of emotions and them being valid, and lacks anxiety issues. I'm self conscious, feel guilty for showing certain emotions, and have bad anxiety issues. Love really does impact people, and its never to late to show it.
Multi Tool
A good knife.
It doesn't matter what type of knife it is or what its intended purpose is, be it a filleting knife for fishing, a blade on an expensive high quality multi-tool, a hunting knife, a (functional) decorative knife, a high quality kitchen knife or whatever else, a good, high quality blade - with proper care and maintenance - will last a lifetime.
How To Feed Myself
Teaching someone the basics of cooking!
Teaching myself to make eggs was the first step in my culinary adventure that started when I was a kid and is still continuing today. I taught my younger siblings how to cook basics like eggs and pasta and they've only improved since. My gf couldn't even turn on the stove when we got together (super spoiled kid growing up) so when she finally learned how, the first thing I taught her was scrambled eggs. She makes full, delicious meals now.
The Thought That Counts
Not very practical, but thoughtfully written cards. I have cards from friends, family, and teachers from years ago that I either keep in my top drawer or tape to my room walls because they're so nice. Whenever I'm feeling down (or at any other time tbh) I can re-read them and think of the good times I've shared with these people I love, some of whom I'll never see again.
Again, The Thoughts
My best friend of 5 years (now boyfriend/baby daddy) made me a bracelet when we first started dating and I haven't taken it off since. Every time I see it I remember him excitedly giving it to me and tying it around my wrist, it's hanging by a thread now and I'm gonna cry when it finally gives out
A Generation Of Food
Heirloom seeds, they can be saved and used to grow food and passed down from generation to generation. It's really sad to see how little variety there is in supermarkets. Tomatoes, and most vegetables in general, come in a variety of colours, sizes, and flavours. Some have been passed down for generations within families or tribes of indigenous people, but many heirlooms are dying out because supermarkets often favour more durable vegetables and fruits that withstand shipping.
A Note From Your Memories
I keep all handwritten cards from birthday/Christmas/ any occasion gifts. I've had a bunch from relatives that have passed away and I always love looking at them.
Makin' Memories
If they're a photographer, a manual focus lens. Probably a big old heavy FD lens from the 60s. I've got a 55mm f1.2 that's probably 40 years old and it still works great on my a7iii. Just as long as I don't let mold grow in it, it should last ages.
Takin' Pictures Is...
This might not sound as good like the others but if I were to give something that will last a lifetime, it is a photograph. The one taken from our greatest or happiest memories then write a message on the back of it. It could be a short message about that memory or what happened back then.
Happy Choppy
High quality kitchen knives.
My mother has used the same boning knife for years. She bought it when she started her acf apprenticeship and it's been with her ever since. Part of the Handle is melted but it is still a solid knife. Gotta love german steel. Twin henkels all the way. (Four star line)
I have one that I got when I was about to start culinary school, that I did use on a line for years and I have now retired it to home use only for now but it's still as sharp and is in used but perfect condition otherwise. (Pro s line)
But Only If It's A Hobby...
A nice rifle. If they're into that sort of thing, firearms are incredibly interesting and a very satisfying hobby. My dad bought me a pellet gun when I was 13 and while I don't shoot it anymore it stays on my wall and started me down a very fun rabbit hole of history science and simultaneously relaxing and exciting activity.
Crafty Love
Something they can use. I like giving functional gifts. I try for lessons or subscriptions or homemade stuff. I avoid gift cards when I can. I was gifted a knitting subscription and I can now do lace work so I keep in that general theme.
Gift giving can be rough. That's why so many people just opt for gift cards - it's easier than wracking your brain trying to come up with that perfect thing that the giftee might have anyway. Some people opt for "creative" gifts instead ... and those people are awesome.
Okay, so the gifts themselves might be awful, but the stories they leave you with are absolutely worth it.
Reddit user Daveyyyyyyyy asked:
What's the weirdest birthday present you've ever received?
The answers didn't stay on birthday gifts for long. Turns out, there's apparently never a wrong time to give the gift of weird.
Buying gifts for others can be hard.
So we can be forgiving when others' presents aren't quite what we wanted.
Sometimes, though, they get it exactly right and you get a present that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Reddit user FaceplantStu asked:
"What's the best present you ever received?"
When I was really young, I thought I might want to be a scientist. My grandmother didn't really understand what scientists do and gave me a stethoscope.
Some clinical scientists use stethoscopes but for the most part, not really useful. I pretended to like it and the stethoscope sat in my closet for years.
I'm graduating from med school now and have used the same stethoscope across all these years. It's my good luck charm.
-manlikerealities
A cookbook that my mom made. She handwritten out each recipe of my favorite dishes growing up. The day that I moved out of the house, she gifted this to me.
-HeAintGonnaEmailU
A jar of Nutella.
I had quit a job I was going nowhere in, applying and interviewing like crazy while supporting my then-gf while she was getting through college. I had burned through most of my savings...
I was throwing parties every weekend so I could take the empty beer bottles that friends left at home to the grocery store (there's refundable fees where I live) and buy food with the little amount I would get...
I would barely eat breakfast, then feign interest in dinner so my gf could eat and succeed at school.
One night, we went to the restaurant with my parents and one of their friends, who thought I had lost some weight...
My dad slipped me some money before leaving, and when I called later that week, to borrow some more money for rent, he asked me if I was ok. I told him that things were tight, but that we managed. He told me "I don't want you to sell your guitar..."
I didn't answer.
Parents called back a few days later, saying that they would stop by, since they would be in town. I was in for a surprise.
When I got the door, my mom was standing there with a box filled with groceries...
"Go help your dad, " she said, "there's more..."
They had brought us three big boxes full of food, including homemade meals...
While we were unpacking and putting stuff away, my mom took out a jar of Nutella from one of the boxes.
"Sometimes, all you need is a little bit more than the bare minimum," she said.
My eyes were wet... dad made me promise to never put my health in danger by being proud...
-Bassman1976
A woman I met through work, actually my boss at the time, is one of the most caring and compassionate people I've ever met. Through work we grew a great friendship and to this day, though she isn't my boss anymore, she's my best friend.
Growing up, I've adored the game "The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask". I've always wanted it on N64 but being a kid I only ever owned a PlayStation and played Nintendo consoles at my family friends house.
Well fast forward and me and that particular girl are chatting about my on going mental health issues (I wasn't in a very good place).
She was always a great supporter of mine and would often pep me up about continuing on through my issues. One day, out of nowhere she comes up to me, and hands me something.
It was a game. It was Majora's Mask for the N64!
She knew I loved that game, and she actually loved it too. She herself has a tattoo of majora and loves everything and anything zelda. She gave me her childhood copy.
It was a sign of the relationship we had built, and it was to show me how much I meant to her, and that if I went anywhere, she'd never be the same.
I recently got an N64 to play it and it's one of, if not my most prized possession. I keep her beaten file on it and never plan on deleting it :) it means the world to me!
-Kyle_Truman
The wife and I built a little lake house a few years back. Did it all ourselves. She was a real trooper during the whole project and I was able to teach her a lot about construction.
The Christmas after we got it done, she used all the progress pictures to make a book through that online thing Wal-Mart has. It was a really special present because of all of the commentary she put with the pictures.
There are a lot of inside jokes and happy memories in that little book.
-snazzytaint
When I was about 12, a steamer trunk full of equipment from a professional magician. It'd probably been sealed up since the mid 40s. Beautiful stuff.
-m3Guitarist
My dog. Husband gave him to me for Christmas the year after we got married. He was a couple years old when we had our daughter.
They grew up together and he was absolutely the best dog I could have hoped for. We lost him a couple years back but the wonderful memories will last a lifetime.
-anitabelle
During my high school graduation party, my mother invited a few family friends I hadn't seen in years. One of whom was my deceased father's best friend, who I had taken to calling 'Uncle' when I was really young.
As a present, he gave me one of my father's old drawings of the astronaut from MTV. Something he drew over thirty years ago and I never knew it existed. It was a real shocker for everybody.
-JoyGirl7
When I turned 16, my first boyfriend stiched a pair of pants for me. He used colored thread to stitch a candle, a heart, a sun, the year, and more.
Pretty darn cool embroidery.
When you turned the jeans inside out, He had written love notes all over the inner fabric. Made me melt.
-bkind2ppl
I had major surgery my second year in college. I was hooked up with the nicest suite in the hospital due to my best friend's dad being a major figure there when all I really wanted was him to make sure I had a private room if one was available.
My best friend was at school out of state and sent flowers, making sure that the florist didn't use anything pink (because I hated pink). Someone sent me a basket of my favorite snacks.
My brother's boss, someone I had never met, stopped by with another coworker of his (another stranger) and gave me a plant. All of these were so thoughtful, but the absolute best gift came from the "funny guy" in our group of friends.
He knew that I would not be able to eat real food, so he made me jello.
A two gallon Tupperware tub of jello with a (sanitized by boiling and new) squeaking dog toy in the middle because it "looked too boring" otherwise and he was still trying to make up for accidentally scaring my dog the year before.
The level of thought he put into that blew me away. The dog never got the toy, I kept it and still have it more than 15 years later.
-knowingburns
Gifts don't have to be expensive to touch our hearts.