Nine Things I Miss About the Nineties

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

POST PATRON:
Tonight’s Post Patron is Amazon Prime Pantry! I *love* this sponsor! This awesome service offers FREE SHIPPING on an exclusive selection of low priced groceries on Amazon. Click here for a 30-Day Free Trial!

If you clicked on this article expecting to hear about Dunkaroos, Pokemon Cards, Y2K Doomsdayers, and Boy Bands — well, this is a bit of a different slant.

Just yesterday, I woke up to a really interesting article that my mother sent me over Facebook — because of course, moms love Facebook 😉

But it was really interesting — it was titled, “10 Things Our Parents Did that Parents Today Should Bring Back.” And it was filled with traditional, common sense parenting tips that somehow have gone by the wayside in our nanny cam’d, “woke” society.

But as I was reading through this list of classic – yet simple – things like: making kids play outside, and family dinners — I realized that I miss how things use to be in the Nineties — the pace of life, the simplicity, the unplugged existence.

My two besties and me — circa 1997 — sans smart phones, in the woods

So here are a few things I wish we, as a society, could bring back as 2020 is on the horizon.

1. Eye Contact

Now, this may seem like a head scratcher — however, I feel like eye contact is a lost art in the world of smart phones. Have you noticed that, even when you’re hanging out with loved ones — eyeballs are hard to find anymore? There’s always a screen either in our hand, or on our wrist clamoring for our attention. And sadly, this staple action of conversation and connection is getting lost.

2. Phone Calls

Now, hear me out — yes, texting is convenient and efficient, and snap chatting may be fun — but both are so impersonal. There’s something about actually hearing a person’s voice on the other end of a phone, and picking up on their inflection, and tone of voice — you just can’t replace that. Not to mention, our reliance on texting has been detrimental to our ability to hold a conversation. Let’s pick up the phone and talk to someone!

3. TV Shows that weren’t…garbage

OK – this one will be controversial, because yes — we’re living in arguably the “best” era of creative content, thanks to the digital streaming wars. BUT — in the battle for viewership, TV programs are all about how far they can push the envelope — especially when it comes to kids and teens’ programming.

Remember the TV show, Bug Juice? Or Lizzie McGuire? Their plot lines revolved around hobbies, friendship, and crushes, and there was a feel-good lesson that you walked away with. Today, kids watch 13 Reasons Why — which romanticizes suicide, and Euphoria, which glorifies drugs and sex. Why are we rushing their loss of innocence??

4. An Unplugged Existence

Now here me out — I love Instagram just as much as the next basic girl. I live for a photogenic background and a Mayfair filter. However, I’ve noticed — at least in my own life — that Instagram is really interrupting my life and my experiences. I’m constantly documenting or thinking about sharing my experiences online, and it’s effecting how I’m interacting with the people I’m actually with!! How freeing to just hang out with people and not worry about documenting it. The nineties had it right — disposable cameras for the win.

#accurate

5. Being Social — IRL, not through our Phones

Ah, remember the days where you’d just show up at someone’s house to hang out? Or *gasp* invite a friend over for your family dinner?? Relationships involved real face time – (In Real Life). There’s a connection you build with someone in the flesh that just can’t be replicated through a smart phone, sorry Apple.

6. Tolerance

Now this one may seem a little counterintuitive, given the fact that we’re living in an era where people bend over backwards to be as “woke” as possible. But I’m talking about tolerance of beliefs.

Today, there is a caustic divide in our culture — republican/democrat, liberal/conservative, believer/nonbeliever. The hostility between many extreme people is just mind boggling. Relationships can be shattered, simply because two people fall on different ends of the thought spectrum. Whatever happened to respect? To seeking common ground? Being quick to listen, and trying to understand? The anonymity of being able to spew hatred from behind a screen, has turned many of us into bullies, and armchair executioners.

This attack-dog existence over politics and schools of thought — it’s literally tearing our country apart at the seams, and it needs to stop.

7. PrimeTime TV (AKA — communal watching!)

Why do I love The Bachelor so much? Because it is one of the only shows on TV that still has a communal, nineties-style watching style. It’s on at a specific time every week, people watch the show in the specific time slot, and then talk about it with their friends the next day.

There’s none of this binge-watching, spoiler-culture, which — to be fair, is awesome and I love it. But I also love having TV shows that bring people together and provide a real-time shared experience that you can then theorize and talk about the next day. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it brings people together, and I love it.

8. Respect for Christian Values

I’m not going to harp on this, but the climate in today’s secular media all but demonizes traditional morality. Christian beliefs and values are made out to be close-minded, buffoonish, antiquated, oppressive, and bigoted.

And with such a rabid “Cancel Culture,” most people that do hold those beliefs have taken them underground, so we’re left with vanilla complacency, while the “woke train” keeps barreling full steam ahead, taking society further and further into the extreme.

The nineties had it right: families played an incredibly important role in the tone and direction of society. Respect was a staple in the fabric of society. And our culture at the very least, still acknowledged that God exists.

9. Rom Coms

Oh, to have a nineties-style chick flick resurgence! My Best Friend’s Wedding, 10 Things I Hate About You, You’ve Got Mail, Clueless — I’m sorry but if I see another superhero movie, or lame attempt at a remake, I’m going to scream! Thank goodness for the Hallmark Channel, that’s all I’m saying. At least there’s one source out there that still respects a classic, boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love-amid-some-silly-hijinks-along-the-way type of feel-good storyline!

So there we go, I hope you had some fun reminiscing about the nineties! There was a beautiful simplicity about growing up where you played in the woods, and didn’t have a cell phone, that really speaks to me.

We’re as technologically connected as we’ve ever been, and yet somehow, more personally disconnected than ever before.

Let’s bring back personal relationship skills. And interacting with people, rather than screens. And for heavens sake, let’s take it easy with our technology addiction!

That’s all for now!

“Bye, bye, bye!“

What are some things YOU miss about the Nineties?

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

TAKE ME TO THE B³ STORE!
Yay for cute hats!

A big thank you to my foundational sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy. I cannot begin to express how beneficial therapy was for my recovery from anorexia.  Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.

***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***

Click to order your copy!


Sign up below for my free newsletter!
Get my daily videos, recipes and posts delivered straight to your inbox!

[mc4wp_form id=”30616″]

Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A

MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!

Get a tube!

THE FABFITFUN SUMMER BOX IS HERE! And I made an UNBOXING video! I was — flipping out — over the contents of this box. It is far and away the best, FabFitFun box I’ve received yet. (Hello, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream!?!?!) I had an absolute blast filming it, so I would love it if you gave it a watch! And to order a box for yourself, you can get $10 off by using my code BEACHBABE.

Order a box for yourself and save $10!

Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!! 

Huge shoutout to my favorite: Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey! Located just outside of NYC, this gorgeous medical spa keeps my skin healthy and bright! Stop in and treat yo’self! 🙂

STAY CONNECTED!

@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂

And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!

Published by

Unknown's avatar

beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

206 thoughts on “Nine Things I Miss About the Nineties”

  1. I love romcoms! And I’m not sure exactly what you mean by Christian values, but if they involve family, honesty, hard work, and not throwing garbage all over the planet, I’m on board!

    Like

  4. The personal touch. How I miss it! It’s gotten to the point where I sometimes wonder if a phone call is an intrusion on someone as opposed to the arms-length text. Texting has its place, but it’s way overused. Julie and I were talking about how people don’t communicate well at all anymore. I was asked to meet someone on business, but they never sent an address, and I couldn’t reach them by phone to find out. Maybe a result of the automatic computer age where everything just pops up?

    I saw a video taken by a guy whose plane was going to crash. The pilot was heard on the intercom, “Brace-brace-brace!!” What was this moron doing? Taking a video of everyone instead of worrying about living through it!! How often do we see videos of people in dire situations worried about recording it instead of living through it!

    Better stop there before I go into full rant mode. Just me agreeing with you!

    Like

    1. The personal touch, yes! Thanks Jeff. I’m right there with ya! I’m always hesitant to call for fear of interrupting, so i just usually default to texting. So true – the art of conversation is seriously hurting. Seriously hurting. And the more i date, the more I can see that in the Wild haha Oh my gosh what a crazy story about that video. You’re right about that. Thanks for reading Jeff! Hope you’re having a great night! Hugs to you and Julie! Xox

      Like

  5. Thank you for sharing this. This is a wonderful post. I must admit, I certainly do feel the nostalgia starting to set in a little bit.

    I also miss the 90’s – it was full of fond memories growing up. I’d definitely say it was a much simpler time too.

    P.S: (It’s now motivated me to try and build a time machine! 😁😁😁)

    Like

    1. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it! Haha when you get the kinks worked out on your time machine, let me know! I’ll join ya!! Hahaha Hugs and love xox

      Like

      1. Caralyn, my darlingmost wificle and I lay a table on the balcony, enjoy the stars and mountain views, watch the International Space Station sweep over or study the Southern Cross constellation, have a bite and a coffee and chill. Our TV feels so rejected…..hehehehe. Poor thing. Even the NCIS guys get jealous when we chill out like that. 😁

        Like

      2. oh wow that sounds absolutely heavenly — literally and figuratively! 🙂 hahah yay for rejected screens! hahah

        Like

  8. How about Rocky 89.4? These stacked movies are so lame. If they didn’t get it right first time…….or people rising from the dead all over. But didn’t that start with Dallas?

    Like

  10. Compared to what the average person has today we had little as we grew up but it was all we needed. Lots of activity with the neighbourhood kids after school and horror of horrors we actually could walk around town by ourselves without fear. We made our own fun, swam in creeks without being highly regulated by oppressive government restrictions and valued our parents. I feel sorry for our society today. Technology is not the key to happiness.

    Like

    1. Aw, thank you so muhc Leigh! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! I agree – bring back the 90’s! Glitter eye shadow and all! hahahaa hugs xox

      Like

  19. The club scene in the 90’s was a blast but completely hedonist (in the moment). Rave’s were happening, we were getting a lot of Techno music coming in too. It was a great time to be in your 20’s.

    Like

  23. Every decade from the 50s onward has a different feel to it. The 90s was a very prosperous time in the United States. And yes, we weren’t plugged in too much until the new millennium. And now we have a smartphone. It’s one of the greatest communication devices ever invented. But like you said it has its downside. What you make me think of is family. Having family and friends is the best thing when it comes to grown up.

    Like

    1. That’s such great insight. There are definitely pros and cons to the smart phone. I think you’re so right about that – family is certainly the most important!! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  27. Could not agree more! I miss a really conversation with people not staring at their phones. We love all the same movies, apparently, too! Lol I was just thinking the other day that I need to watch You’ve got Mail again.

    Like

    1. Aw thanks Sharon! I agree – sometimes I’ll look around and literally everyone will be looking down at their phones! It’s so sad. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  28. Missed #10: FAMILY TIME. Too easy to neglect parental responsibilities with all the technological distractions that surround us. Spending time together as a family is what cements the values that carry us through the rest of our lives. There is no replacement for it.

    Like

    1. You’re so right Michael! Family time!! What an important IMPORTANT part of life! No replacement – for sure 🙂 Hugs and love xox

      Like

  29. Nice post dear, I hold no nastalga for the 90’s as I graduated high school in the early 90’s then off to college and then work, I hear people young and old talking about the nastalga from when they were younger and thinking it was a great time but in actuality every era has it’s positives and negatives it just depends on the view point you look at it from, from my view point it’s all been crap and still is as people still don’t have respect for other people that are different and are government isn’t helping things by trying to take away people’s civil rights and pushing us back into the 50’s.

    ❤️✌️
    BY FOR NOW

    Like

    1. Thank you Dawn for sharing your heart on this. I think you’re right – we need more respect in this world 🙂 hope you have a great weekend! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  30. I loved this. Its sadly and very true. I miss the 90s. But I also grew up in the 90s. I cried when a Princess I only ever heard of tragically died. I remember cutting out photos of her from magazines and making a poster. Rushing through my homework to watch TV or play Nintendo. Playing outside with kids from around the block. Going to the schools on the weekends to play on the monkey bars. Now we have locked gates that surround school. They look more like prisons than school yards. TV is overrated and overpriced. Now everyone has a phone in their hand when the TV is on anyways. Family game nights are now boring. What happened to our country to make life so awful? I blame the internet. But then again look how far we’ve come because of it and how far apart we’ve grown. ❤

    Like

    1. Oh good! I’m so glad this hit with you. Oh gosh that was such a sad day with Princess Di. Lots of special memories you brought up. Yeah – blessing and a curse. Hugs and love xox

      Like

    1. Thanks friend! Yeah the nineties has a great tv lineup for sure! We could take a lesson! Haha so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  33. Ugh I feel you! I miss a lot about the 90’s – phone calls, being more connected with people, etc. I’m a middle school English teacher, and I’m worried about this next generation of kids (Gen Z). It scares me how technologically addicted we’ve become, and how our values seem to have deteriorated. There’s just no respect for anything anymore!

    • Katie

    Like

    1. Thanks Katie! Oh gosh yeah you see first hand the effects our technology addiction is having with the upcoming generation. Let’s bring back respect! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  34. Oh man! I miss the 90’s as well!! one of the things i miss the most is music, I feel like an old person but the mainstream music nowaday’s isn’t that great. I remember the day that kanye west sang jesus walks & Diamonds…… it was really good. But i agree 100% on the rest of the things you wrote. Might I suggest watching indian movies i think you will like them a lot.

    Like

  36. There is no way to go back. Praying for more caring and social interaction of actually talking to each other. Media has its place but sharing with someone in person, is so much better! XOXO Love and hugs!

    Like

    1. I will certainly join you in that prayer. Caring and social interactions are what this world needs!! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  37. I absolutely loved this post. It was actually very nostalgic. I call them the good old days, and I’m not that old, haha. You know how most trends cycle through and repeat, I really do wish, the simple life would return because its really ‘scary’ out there! I worry about ‘our’ children. Anyway, as you can see I really enjoyed your post, so thank you for sharing ⚘

    Like

  41. Thanks for bringing back the memories. The nineties truely were amazing times. Sometimes I wish we could have the best of both times. The intimacy of the nineties and the tech of now. Im afraid that may never happen

    Like

  44. Cheap gasoline, well many things were cheaper, when videogames didnt require the internet and you can get a game for under $40. It was also easy to get friends, didn’t have to worry about expenses either. Also instant messaging such as AOL or Yahoo. And when cartoons was good lol.

    Like

  45. Well, someone’s feeling nostalgic! Hehe 😉

    Long time Caralyn, I don’t know if you remember me. 🙂

    Anyways, just wondering, what prompted or inspired you to write this post? And don’t say God lol (jk) 😉

    Looking lovely as always Caralyn! Ciao 🙂

    Like

      1. Ah right, you mentioned it in the opening paragraph, maybe I read through it too quickly lol 😉 good to hear from you, hugs ❤

        Like

  47. I am not amazed that these same things made things work in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s with slightly different technologies, and slightly stricter mores. The losses of connection to family, privacy, respect, and compassion in the US, do not improve our lives. The current world of public anonymity promotes dispassionate and cruel ways of being. And we wonder why so much divisiveness.

    The children of today are largely isolated in real terms, connected in virtual terms. The insistence on promoting one’s imago in a world of people with impossible perfection in every field is a contributor to the elevated suicide rate among the young.

    Like

  48. So very true. It’s ironic that the technology that is meant to help bring closer together keeps us at a distance. I see it happening across all age groups, that we have losing the art of conversation and sincere interactions. Thanks for sharing.

    Like

    1. Thanks so much Michael!! You’re so right – a very strange irony indeed. Connected yes super disconnected with those in our actual lives. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  49. I’m a 80s baby 90s raised so I’m in complete agreement with everything you mentioned. I was only allowed to watch 2 hours of TV during the week, ABC’s TGIF was an exception to that so let’s say 4 hours. We played outside. Read books, wrote letters, had actual diaries where we bared our souls. I actually had a pen pal in Africa. Getting my first response from her was so cool, mail from Africa I felt so important to get a piece of mail. Le sigh I do indeed miss the 90s. Great post.

    Like

    1. Thanks so much Andrea!! Oh dang TGIF was the absolute BEST!! As was playing outside. Remember razor scooters?! So fun! Hugs and love xox

      Like

    1. I so agree Debra! It’s an art form and we’re losing it!! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend! Hugs and love xox

      Like

Join the Conversation!