7 Boomer Phrases That Trigger Instant Emotional Shutdowns in Gen Z—Psychologists Reveal Why
Remember the classic line, “Back in my day…”? It’s almost a staple in family chats, right? My dad used to whip it out like a badge of honor, bragging about how his generation had it tougher. Funny as that was, it masks a tricky reality: the generational gap in communication can be a real minefield. When boomers try to offer their well-meaning nuggets of wisdom to Gen Z, it can sometimes backfire — triggering a complete emotional shutdown. Spoiler alert: it’s not about Gen Z being too sensitive. Rather, the way certain phrases land might make them feel dismissed or undervalued. So, if you’ve caught yourself wondering, “Why don’t they get me?” or been on the other side thinking, “Why don’t they understand?”, you’re in the right place. I’ve pulled together seven common sayings from boomers that, according to psychology, can slam the door on open conversation with Gen Z. It’s not just about talking more; it’s about connecting deeper, with honesty and self-awareness. Ready to unravel this communication puzzle? Let’s dive in and start bridging that gap right now. LEARN MOREI remember my father’s favorite phrase growing up: “Back in my day…” followed by some anecdote about how his generation had it tougher. It was amusing, if not a bit cliché. But the generational gap is no laughing matter, especially when it comes to communication.
