I often get asked what it was really like to grow up in the 1960s.
Was it all about tie-dye shirts, bell-bottoms, and rock ‘n’ roll? Well, there was plenty of that.
But in my experience, the most enduring legacies from that era weren’t the fashion statements—they were the social habits we adopted, almost without realizing it, that still set us apart today.
Yes, I might be a bit biased. After all, I was there in my teens, soaking up the culture and seeing it shape who I became as an adult.
Yet when I look around the modern world, I see how some of those simple, down-to-earth ways of connecting with people still make a difference.
They’ve stuck with me over the decades, and even as a sixty-something now, I find these habits keep me anchored.
So, let’s talk about eight of them. I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but I can share what has worked for me and for many of my friends who walked that same path back in the day.
1. Taking time for face-to-face chats
There’s something almost magical about a genuine, in-person conversation.
Back in the ‘60s, we didn’t have smartphones or social media, so if we wanted to catch up with a buddy, we popped over for a visit or invited them around the kitchen table.
It might sound old-fashioned, but I firmly believe there’s no replacement for a conversation where you can see the other person’s eyes light up or witness the little creases in their forehead when they’re worried.
Over the years, I’ve noticed people sometimes forget how much a friendly chat over coffee can solve, or at least soothe.
Modern technology is incredible—don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful I can video-call my grandkids whenever I want.
But there’s something about actually sitting across from someone and letting the conversation flow naturally that fosters deeper understanding and empathy.
I believe that face-to-face communication increases feelings of closeness and emotional connection far more than digital interactions.
It’s easy to see why: real-life presence lets us pick up on body language and tone in ways that text messages or video chats simply can’t replicate.
2. Offering a helping hand in the community
If there’s one thing the ‘60s hammered home, it’s that we’re all in this together.
Many of us threw ourselves into community projects—everything from fundraising drives to local clean-up efforts—because it was just part of everyday life.
We believed in supporting our neighbors, even when we didn’t know them that well.
That spirit of contributing to something bigger than yourself didn’t vanish with time.
In fact, I’d argue it’s even more important now, when individualism sometimes overshadows community cooperation.
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” To me, that quote still rings true as ever.
I try to keep that communal spirit alive by volunteering at local youth programs and occasionally helping out at the food bank in my town.
It keeps me grounded.
And I’ll tell you this: nothing nurtures meaningful connections faster than getting your hands dirty alongside someone else for a cause you both believe in.
3. Practicing genuine politeness
Growing up, my parents insisted that politeness wasn’t optional.
Holding doors open, greeting the mailman with a “good morning,” offering your seat to someone older or pregnant—these little acts of courtesy were second nature.
Some might dismiss them as old-school or stiff, but I’ve found that a bit of basic politeness still makes you stand out in the best way.
I’ve mentioned this before in a previous post, but politeness isn’t about strict etiquette or showing off—it’s about acknowledging the humanity in the person right in front of you.
These days, when everyone’s rushing and time feels so scarce, taking a moment to be courteous can be like a breath of fresh air.
You’d be amazed at how many friendships or positive relationships can start with something as simple as a warm smile and a genuine, “How are you today?”
People remember those who treat them with respect. And while the gestures may seem small, their impact can be huge.
4. Writing letters and thank-you notes
I still have a few shoeboxes filled with letters I wrote and received back in the day—some from old friends, others from family members who lived hundreds of miles away.
There was a certain thrill in waiting for the mailman, hoping to spot a handwritten envelope with my name on it.
Each letter was personal, deliberate, and heartfelt in a way that’s tough to replicate with a hurried email.
Handwritten notes also have a special kind of permanence.
As Brene Brown has said, “Connection is why we’re here; it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
And in my view, few things communicate genuine connection more tangibly than putting pen to paper.
These days, a letter can practically feel like a rarity—like finding a lost treasure.
But that’s exactly why it makes such an impression.
If you want to stand out in someone’s mind, send them a note of thanks or a birthday wish they can hold onto.
It’s simple, personal, and often deeply appreciated.
5. Respecting elders and traditions
You might recall images from the ‘60s of young protesters confronting the status quo.
But at the same time, we also held onto certain traditions and respected the wisdom of those older than us.
Even if we didn’t always agree, there was an understanding that our elders had life experience worth listening to.
This habit of respecting the generations that came before us still sets people apart today.
Maybe it’s because many of our social interactions have sped up or shifted online, but making time to learn from your parents, grandparents, or older folks in your neighborhood is a bit of a lost art.
And it’s a real shame, because they’re a walking library of stories, lessons, and insights.
I’m not suggesting we accept every tradition blindly.
But I’ve found that being open to perspectives from different eras adds depth to how we see the world.
Sometimes, that extra bit of empathy or knowledge can spark new ideas, especially when we combine it with modern thinking.
6. Knowing how to agree to disagree
The ‘60s were a time of big social and political changes.
People had strong opinions about civil rights, the Vietnam War, and all sorts of cultural shifts.
It wasn’t always peaceful—far from it. However, I do remember folks having face-to-face debates where they actually listened to each other.
Sure, there were heated arguments, but there was also a sense that you could still share a meal afterward, even if you didn’t see eye to eye.
Today, with social media amplifying every little disagreement, the art of respectful debate seems rarer.
Instead of healthy back-and-forth, some conversations escalate into shouting matches or “unfriend” sprees.
I’m not saying we never had rifts back then, but there was often a willingness to keep dialogue open.
That habit of agreeing to disagree—or at least hearing the other person out—can be a superpower in our current climate.
It shows that you value relationships over the need to be “right.” It also leaves the door open for future conversations.
I’ve stayed friends with people whose views differ wildly from mine, because we respect each other’s perspectives. It’s not always easy, but it sure is worthwhile.
7. Living within your means
In the ‘60s, credit cards weren’t as ubiquitous, and folks were more inclined to save up for what they wanted rather than buy it on the spot.
I know I learned the value of money by watching my parents stretch a budget and fix things that were broken instead of immediately throwing them out.
These days, with advertising everywhere and instant gratification at our fingertips, holding onto that thriftiness and resourcefulness can set you apart.
Warren Buffett, who’s famous for his frugal habits despite being a billionaire, once remarked, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”
While not all of us can live as frugally as he does, the core idea holds water: be mindful of your finances, plan for the future, and appreciate the difference between wants and needs.
Living within your means isn’t about depriving yourself of joy.
It’s about finding contentment in what you have, and carefully weighing what you truly need.
This approach to life can offer a certain peace of mind, and people around you will notice that quiet confidence in how you handle money and resources.
8. Standing up for what you believe in
Finally, one of the most iconic images of the ‘60s is young people marching for causes they felt passionately about—civil rights, women’s rights, environmental protection.
Even decades later, that spark hasn’t left many of us.
Standing up for your beliefs, even when it’s inconvenient, sets you apart because it shows integrity.
I remember skipping a football game in high school to join a local march—a decision that wasn’t exactly popular with my teammates.
But the conviction I felt then still guides me today: if you truly believe in something, it’s worth putting yourself out there, risking some disapproval, or devoting your time.
People respect authenticity, even if they don’t agree with you.
As the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius noted, “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
That line has stayed with me for years.
We can discuss principles until we’re blue in the face, but ultimately, it’s our actions that define who we are.
Wrapping up
When I look back, these eight habits might seem simple on the surface: talk face-to-face, lend a hand, be polite, write a note, respect traditions, learn how to disagree, live within your means, and stand up for what matters.
But they’re not always easy to put into practice consistently, especially when life gets hectic.
I’m still figuring things out myself, but I’ve seen firsthand that holding onto these time-tested ways of connecting can make a real impact in the modern world.
They help you form deeper relationships, avoid getting sucked into endless digital noise, and show others that respect, empathy, and sincerity aren’t lost arts.
So here’s the question I’ll leave you with: which of these habits speaks to you the most right now, and how might you weave it into your everyday life?
Take a moment to think it over. You never know—the smallest shift in your daily approach might spark a positive ripple effect in your relationships, career, and personal growth.
And if these classic habits have lasted this long, I’d bet they’ve got plenty more life in them yet.
