Whilst browsing online the other evening, I saw a facebook post that posed the question "what old-fashioned values/habits or objects do you still use today?" and it got me thinking.
I'm 40 and therefore I do have certain habits and values that may be classed as old-fashioned nowadays; I think we all do to some degree. I think technology is a fantastic thing so I'm not a technophobe at all, (although I still can't get my head around the concept of a 3d printer, my brain isn't capable of understanding that whatsoever), I think advances in technology are astounding and anything that makes life easier is welcomed by me. I've also not got an old-fashioned attitude really, for example I firmly believe in equality rught across the board, I have no bigoted viewpoints; I am not remotely sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc. This is not to say that everyone was "back then" but attitudes have definitely shifted for the better nowadays in my opinion.
So, here is my list of things that may be considered "old fashioned" about myself, it is by no means comprehensive but the main ones that spring to mind;
1) Imperial Leather soap! Whenever showering I still use a bar of Imperial Leather soap. No shower gel even comes close to how clean I feel after using one of these delightfully-scented bar of joy. I've been a lifelong user of Imperial Leather and can't see this ever changing.
2) Physical books! I know some of you will already be thinking that Kindles are the way forward as they are more eco-friendly, easier to take on holiday, etc. and those are valid points. However, (for me anyway), there is nothing as satisfying as the feel of a book, the smell of a book, marking what page you are up to with a bookmark; it's more of an event, perfection!
3) Vinyl records and CD's! A bit like the books above, I much prefer physical media. There is just something extra special about having the album in your hand, reading the notes and admiring the artwork. Then there's the act of putting a record on itself - it is more of an event, an activity. I love each pop and crack on a much-loved vinyl, the nostalgia hits me in waves, pure bliss!
4) Collecting "stuff" in general! This encompasses everything really; be it physical media, ornaments, trading cards, art, books, etc. It's now the trend to be minimalist and de-clutter, but I like "stuff", it makes life more interesting and more cosy. My home is very much like my mind - ecclectic and a bit jumbled, (not dirty or messy!). It's nice to collect things, to have an interest and to find a "treasure" you've been searching for is an amazing feeling! I would never be able to relax in a minimalist environment, far too clinical.
5) Card making! Anyone who knows me knows that I love making cards for my friends and colleagues. Every Christmas time I make over a hundred Christmas cards, all with a different design on, individually drawn and coloured in. It takes me months literally and I love it! I like to think it's more personal that way too, I've made the effort and took the time to do that. It ends up costing me a lot more than just buying ready made Christmas cards but I feel it's completely worth it.
6) Washing up! Yes, you read that correctly - I enjoy washing up! I find it therapeutic in fact. In a world of dishwashers, I much prefer a bit of Fairy liquid, a sponge and hot water. Genuinely!
7) Walking friends home! I am very old-fashioned in this respect. If we go out of an evening, especially if drinking and it's time to go home and you intend to walk - I'm walking you back home to make sure you get home safely. This isn't meant in a patronising way, I just feel better knowing folks got back ok. A lot of the people I hang out with happen to be women but either way I'm not leaving a friend by themselves whatever their gender.
8) Holding a door open for others! Again, this is just common courtesy, not patronising in any way. I've always done this and can't see myself ever changing. I am a firm believer in politeness and saying please and thank you so this kind of ties in with that really. Politeness costs nothing.
9) Filming on a camcorder! In this day and age of mobile phones, video cameras and camcorders are becoming unnecessary in peoples homes. However, I still use mine, I think it's nice to look back at old home movies and they have a certain charm that isn't there when filmed on a mobile phone. Is it old tech? Yes, definitely, but this matters not to me!
10) Writing journals, diaries, letters and lists! I love writing and drawing - in fact they are two of my favourite activities. Again, I know a lot of people use their phones to save notes, etc, but there is nothing quite as good as writing by hand, it is seemingly dying out and that's a shame. I received a handwritten letter recently and it was a genuine treat. My diaries and journals are good fun to fill in each morning, I don't think I could ever stop writing in them either. Writing is magical!
I think they are the main things that I do, although there are bound to be others no doubt. I would say I'm fairly old-fashioned but with a modernish outlook on life; which to me makes me a well balanced individual!
Now, it's getting a bit chilly, I best go dig out my hot water bottle!
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