What was absolutely, undisputedly better in The Old Days?

[Pickles89]

Back when you were young, or even before that?

I'm going to kick off with Beany Babies. The realistic style 90's ones were so much nicer than the massive eyed/sparkly/rainbow coloured monstrosities of today.

Your turn!

I can remember when there were 3 channels......but didn't want to admit to that🤣🤣

Pizza Hut- their ice cream machine was epic and made a bday

Lucozade.
Dairy Milk.
Sex.

Though not in that particular order!

Flying.

It used to be a lot more expensive and more exclusive with much less intrusive, pointless security theatre. Result : flying was a genuine chav-free pleasure, not a stressful, overcrowded nightmare.

Anticipation.

Everything is so immediately available now. Waiting for a new album to come out or for the chance to see a band live was a huge part of the fun. I also used to love the hiss and crackle when a song ended on an LP and you had to wait for the next one to start. Sometimes it is good to wait!

Shoes.

I could buy beautiful shoes in the 1980s. Almond toes, cuban heels, kitten heels, low wedges, courts in every colour, ankle straps, open-waisted, leather suede and patent.

Sigh.

@BabbleBee Oh my god the joy that was Blockbuster The mixed smells of popcorn, carpet that had probably never been cleaned and musty teenage boys is so nostalgic!
I always remember going in with my dad on a Saturday when my mum was working all day and the weather was crap and picking a couple of videos and snacks, then my mums freaking out on the Monday morning: “DON’T FORGET TO TAKE THEM VIDEOS BACK!”

Christmas trees! My nsn's was covered in tinsel and gooey lights and all sorts of shit - it looked like a fairy had puked on it! It was a thing of beauty. Nowadays we have colour coordinated instagram trees that are all tasteful.
I also used get driven by my dad through London to look at the Christmas lights with my head sticking out of the sun roof. I get that this is not a good thing in retrospect, but it was really fun at the time.

Fireman Sam

Christmas.Decorations and tree went up Christmas Eve and stayed up until 12th night.

Open fire.Simple presents.

Boxing Day all the local children put on a show in a neighbours house.

Most sugary stuff. Sugar Puffs for example were amazing now they taste like cardboard.

Being a teenager - makes me a bit sad my kids lives aren't as fun as mine were in the 90's.

The Future.

Danish Pastries

It’s a gap in the market..

@Ratched

Excitedly buying the Radio Times at Xmas, and spending HOURS considering, debating and deciding on what to view. There were 4 bloody channels to choose from! Programmes and films to be watched were ringing in black ink. TV was exciting in those days. Now it's just everywhere😒

I remember doing this! it was so exciting, taking my copy home, sitting with a cuppa and browsing the Christmas Specials and 'big' films

Shopping I adored it there were never any empty shops on the high street

Magazines just seventeen, bliss ,mizz ,sugar smash hits 😍 don't think teenage girls have these now I loved them read them again and again .

Books I love my Kindle but i used to collect point horror and the excitement of a new release in the book shop looking at the cover and reading the back a kindle doesn't compare

Christmas it was so fun foil decorations paper chain garlands a tree with foil baubles and lots of other different decorations nothing was done to look glam it was just for fun .

Train waiting rooms !!

It is supposed 'progress' to go from our heritage railway that thankfully shared its station with the standard network.. to today's experience.

Heritage ; my early morning. Edwardian station .
Kitchen that offers tea and coffee in a waiting room with a library and a log fire ... OR

A Perspex screen on a platform open to the elements .. the station concourse no better .. 140 years later and much much worse. (Because it makes money for shareholders ) .. money is lord of all things .. as ever

@Ratched

I can remember when there were 3 channels......but didn't want to admit to that🤣🤣

Oh give over! I'm late 60s and don't care who knows it!

Quiet.
It's never quiet anymore.

Christmas it was so fun foil decorations paper chain garlands a tree with foil baubles and lots of other different decorations nothing was done to look glam it was just for fun .

It was fun! the vintage decs were brought out yet again, maybe a new bauble or two from Woolies. No colour coordination, just sheer Christmas!

@Cookiemonster2468 the thing about only getting fruit in season was that it was ripe, tasted wonderful, and became cheap. Now, although we can buy strawberries and peaches all year round, a lot of the time they're not worth buying, and they're always expensive.

Discussing tv the next day - everyone watched the same programmes.

Food - meals were to fill you up because you were hungry - not the fussy variety of meals that are expected now.

People (who deserved it) could be moaned about/ slated/ denounced - now we have to be tolerant and kind (and just quietly fume).

Plasticine and pipe cleaners used to be really fun.

@EnidFrighten

Delayed gratification. There was much more to wait for. Phone calls, meet ups, favourite TV shows etc. Everything is on demand now, which means you lose those delicious moments of anticipation.

Yes! This in spades

KerPlunk
Teaching
Music

I agree, flying was much nicer in the good old days. You actually felt like you were on vacation once you got to the airport.

Today flying is like being cooped up in a squished sardine can with grumpy people around you trying desperately to wring that one little bit of comfort out of discomfort. Even if it means their seat has fractured your kneecaps and their head is basically in your lap.