If you’re at a party in America or England and leave without telling anyone goodbye, it’s known as the “Irish goodbye” or the “Irish exit.” Perfectly executed, you leave the party without having to tell everyone, so you don't have to make an excuse for your departure or give a thousand hugs and handshakes.Those who’ve perfected the Irish goodbye know that it’s best to drop a hint with someone 20 minutes beforehand that you plan on leaving, so when your absence is discovered, you have someone to vouch for you. Some folks who are extra sneaky will say they’re headed to the bathroom or out to their car to grab something and never return.Why is sneaking out of a party called the Irish goodbye?There are many reasons why slipping out the back of a party is attributed to the Irish. The neologisms database at Rice University says that it’s because the Irish are stereotyped as heavy drinkers. Rice defines the Irish goodbye as when someone leaves “noticeably intoxicated and desires to leave without having to converse with anyone they know and reveal their state of intoxication.”Others say it’s a symptom of another Irish stereotype: Irish people are so long-winded that people often sneak out of parties to avoid being stuck saying goodbyes all night. Is the Irish goodbye rude?Some folks believe the Irish goodbye is rude because it can make other partygoers, including the host, feel unimportant, and that a good friend wouldn’t make others wonder where they went. The folks at Readle believe that the exit is a sign of the Irish “belief in independence and self-sufficiency.”“The Irish Goodbye” has served me well for many many years pic.twitter.com/wKbYLwz2hl— Men's Humor (@MensHumor) January 10, 2022 Wil Fulton, a writer at Thrillist, says that it’s a sign of an evolved person. “The Irish exit is not rude. It's a sign of emotional intelligence—of candor, of self-assuredness. It means you know where you stand with everyone else, that you have some semblance of awareness,” He continues, “It's the rare burst of succinctness and selfless subtlety so uncommon in modern human interaction. You are choosing not to hold everyone back, by abandoning your own self-serving goodbyes. That's a good thing.”There may be a decent debate over whether the Irish goodbye is rude, but one thing is for sure: it wasn’t started by the Irish. According to a 2022 article in Quartz, The Oxford Dictionary notes that, as far back as 1751, the English originally referred to leaving a party without telling anyone as “the French leave.” “French Leave is a phrase we had often in use, When one slily elop’d; nor left coin or excuse,” it says. Of course, the French shot back, referring to leaving a party without telling anyone as the English departure. “'I’ll follow you,' he told me, 'But we can’t leave in the English way. Let’s say goodbye to Madame Verdurin,'" the professor said in Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. A couple on their way out.via Matteo Bassille/PexelsIt seems that everyone in Europe is accusing someone from another country of leaving parties without telling anyone. The Polish call it “leaving the English way.” The Portuguese call it departing in “The French style.” The Germans refer to it as the “Polish exit,” and the Russians say it’s to “leave in the English way.”Ultimately, for centuries, people have been blaming those who sneak out of events as behaving like foreigners they don’t like, or recently fought a war against. So, whether you think the Irish goodbye is rude or self-evolved, we can be certain that it isn't just an Irish thing.

It would appear that had acting not worked out for Jude Law, he would have been an excellent film critic. This is evidenced by an adorable clip making the rounds on social media of Law when he was just a wee schoolboy at 11 years old.The year was 1984. Law was a guest on the BBC's The Breakfast Time, where he was interviewed by co-presenter Fern Britton, a popular TV figure in the U.K. His mission? To give a no-holds-barred, youthful (and quite blunt) critique of a popular animated Disney film from the 1960s. See on Instagram And that film was One Hundred and One Dalmatians, released in 1961, before Law was even born. Dressed in a checkered button-down shirt, jeans, and a trendy white skinny tie, Law is ready for the assignment. When Britton asks, "Did you like it, first of all?" Law smiles and says, "Yes, I did very much." But then he has some notes.He continues, "But you could tell from the very beginning, it was all very predictable. And all the way through, you knew what was going to happen. But yeah, I did enjoy it. It was funny."He noticed something quite creative about the screenwriting. "I liked, very much, the way from the very beginning the animals called the humans their pets. So it was very different." Then he gets very serious for some reason. "And really, the whole story was actually told by the male dog, Pongo."Britton then asks, "Something I understand that you didn't quite understand was the fact that parent dogs spoke with English accents, and the puppy dogs with American ones." Law has a solid answer: "I think that was mainly because the American accent sounds slightly babyish." A clip from Disney's 1961 101 Dalmatians www.youtube.com, JoBlo Animated Videos, Disney Here, Law gives a foreshadowing of his excellent acting skills when he slips into a perfect American accent. He shares, "There was a part when there was this little baby dog who said, 'Oh, I'm hungry, Mother,'" (which Law enunciates with very hard American R’s). But then adds in a posh English accent, "Not now, dear." Britton laughs, and Law continues, "It was funny. I didn't actually notice it until I was told by my friend I went with."There are thousands of comments on the Instagram clip alone, with many noting how articulate he is. "Unbelievable articulation and at such a young age. He's now the last of the league of gentlemen."Many also notice that Law essentially looks the same now as he did at 11—at least in terms of facial expressions. "My goodness, he actually sounds the same!" Another adds, "Wow, he speaks exactly the same way he does now. You can tell how intelligent he is at such a young age. Even his mannerisms are the same as a child."This person goes deeper into the question of "are we just who we are that young?" "Indeed! All his expressions and mannerisms are the same—which in a sense terrifies: is this part of all of us 'complete' and unalterable before we hit our teens?"And of course, some take note of his tough critique. One jokingly writes, "The 'American accent sounds babyish.' How deliciously condescending toward the old colony." A young Jude Law reviews 101 Dalmatians. www.youtube.com, BBC Archive The comments on the BBC Archive YouTube page are equally supportive of Law's critique. One writes (in ALL CAPS no less) "OUTSTANDING BREAK DOWN!!"Another notes the 80s attire: "We all had that shirt back in 84." And this person jokingly predicts the future, saying, " Clever lad. He’ll be a star some day. I’ll tell ya that now."

If you’ve ever lived with a vocal dog, you know the soundtrack: the “someone breathed outside” alert bark, the “is that a leaf?” panic bark, and, of course, the classic “it’s 3 a.m. and I have opinions” bark-ologue. Adorable? Sure. But sometimes, you just want a furry friend who isn’t auditorily abusive. The good news: experts say some breeds are naturally more zen and low-volume. Whether you’re in an apartment or simply craving quiet companionship, these low-bark breeds might be your perfect match.BasenjiThanks to their unique larynxes, Besenjis are often referred to as a "barkless dog." That’s a bit of a misnomer, since what they produce instead is a very distinct, high-pitched yodel. Many people also consider these dogs cat-like for their general quietness and independence, not to mention their love of grooming. They’re also a dog breed that doesn’t shed much, adding some additional low maintenance points. But because of their higher intelligence, they do often need regular exercise. @luke_in_the_garage Have you heard a Basenji yodel before? He doesn’t bark, this is the only noise he makes and he doesn’t make it often. Crazy right? #basenji #basenjisofinstagram #basenjilove #basenjiyodel #yodel #dog #dogs #fridayfun ♬ original sound - Lukeinthegarage Cavalier King Charles SpanielA dog worthy of nobility since the Renaissance, Cavaliers are far more inclined to gracefully snuggle in your lap than yap at the sound of a doorbell. Their sweet, gentle disposition and easy trainability make them well suited as family and therapy dogs as well. And even though they aren’t very vocal, they communicate pretty darn effectively with their adorable, expressive faces. They’re great for apartment dwellers and first-time dog owners. @cavaliervibe The best dogs ever ❤️? Follow @cavaliervibe Credits @teddythecavking - - - - - #cavalier #cavalierkingcharles #cavalierkingcharlesspaniel #cavaliers #cavalierking #kingcharlescavalier #kingcavalier #cavalierlover #cavalierlovers #lovecavalier ♬ original sound - Cavalier GreyhoundGreyhounds are mainly known for their athleticism, but after getting the exercise they need, these dogs are just as happy lounging quietly on the couch. The Greyhound Club of America even describes them as “even-tempered, quiet dogs that are gentle around people.”The main thing to be wary of is finding healthy outlets for their instinct to chase, especially if you bring them home to other pets. @chillithegreyhound It’s National Greyhound Adoption Month! There are so many reasons to bring home a long friend ? but here are just a couple #GreyhoundAdoption #RescuedNotRetired #rescuedog ♬ Chill Music Aesthetic - Megacreate WhippetLike Greyhounds, Whippets are built for short bursts of energy followed by long stretches of being super laid-back, and they tend to keep their vocal expressions to a minimum. They are also remarkably sweet and sensitive, and they appreciate a calm, quiet home as much as you do. Whippets are known for being incredibly family-friendly dogs, thanks to their gentle loyalty. @pet_honesty It's time to Whippet! Whippet good! Ok, now that that's out of our system we can get down to seeing what's up with this gentle & friendly breed. #dogsoftiktok #pethonesty #americankennelclub #akcmeetthebreeds #doghealth #dogbreeds #whippetsoftiktok#dogmom ♬ original sound - Pet Honesty Shiba InuOkay, yes, there is such a thing as a "Shiba scream” that comes out during moments of distress or overexcitement, but generally speaking, this dignified Japanese breed would rather not waste its energy on such things. They are also considered cat-like for their independence and grooming habits. @blackdogomaha No, he's not better with the dremel and it takes longer. Been doing it once a month since he was 8 weeks. Some shiba's are just like this. #shiba#shibainu#shibascream#doggroomer#doggrooming#doge#dogedog#fyp#foryoupage#fypシ ♬ original sound - vsqethereal BorzoiElegant, quiet, and yet again “cat-like” (according to the American Kennel Club), Borzois are as silent as they are speedy—reaching up to 40 miles per hour. Though they are bred for hunting and require physical and mental stimulation, they are notably calm and indoor-friendly. If you’re in the market for a gentle, majestic beast to offer serenity and quiet companionship, you’re in luck with this one. @cleolonglegs mini me IB:@dino.and.ruby #borzoi #dog #schmol #silkenwindhound ♬ original sound - Alexpd Great DaneThe epitome of a “gentle giant,” Great Danes possess surprisingly soft voices—and even then, rarely use them. Though they do need to stretch their enormous legs regularly, their demeanor with other dogs is quite low-key. While they make great family dogs, they might not be perfectly suited for apartments due to their size. @crackupmonkeys Great dane core.?| Big Dog - Bigger Heart & Gentle Giant for Life? (Via - @Cassie @Willian.dog @Otis @officialharleehassell @Bodhi Bojangles @yodagreatdane @Ashley & Zeus the Great Dane) #greatdane #bigdog #funnydogs #dogs #core ♬ QKThr - Aphex Twin BulldogWhile barking isn’t really in a Bulldog’s auditory repertoire, you’ll likely get a symphony of snorts, snores, and grunts instead. But they’re adorable, relaxed little couch potatoes who don’t need much more than a short walk and loving companionship. @chalanandcoco Lil’ couch potato ? #chalanandcoco #lukaandbella #englishbulldog #bulldog #fyp #puppy #cute #puppytok #puppytiktok #englishbulldogsoftiktok ♬ original sound - Stanley the Bulldog French BulldogSimilarly, French Bulldogs tend to have low energy, need minimal exercise, and love human contact. The most you’ll probably hear out of them is a snore during one of their frequent naps. They’re also a popular choice for apartment living. @eloisemaethefrenchie And every frenchie parent said amen! #frenchbulldog #frenchie #frenchbulldogpuppy #frenchiesoftiktok #puppylife #dogsoftiktok #puppytiktok #frenchiepuppy #puppy #eloise #puppyeyes #zoomies ♬ YAS QUEEN SLAY - Tanktolman-Nerd Gym Trainer ⚒️ Bernese Mountain DogOriginally Swiss farm dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog—or “Berner”—is a family favorite for its affectionate, patient, happy-to-help nature, as well as its quietness. Maybe it’s because at over 100 pounds, who needs to bark for attention? In general, this breed has a peaceful, protective aura. @colltunis Wallace doesn’t like being watched. #puppy #bernesemountaindog ♬ original sound - Colltunis Irish WolfhoundThe enormous Irish Wolfhound has been around since the 15th century, during which it was so effective at hunting wolves that the species nearly went extinct and the breed became the stuff of legend. Even though these “Faithful Hounds” were bred to be hunting machines, they have both the calm demeanor and emotional sensitivity to make excellent therapy dogs. However, their towering size makes them better suited for families with older kids or adults. @mygentlegiants #irishwolfhoundpuppy #irishwolfhound #giantbreed #wolfhoundpuppy #wolfhound #bigdog #giantdog #dog #gentlegiant #newpuppy #giantpuppy ♬ IT GIRL (Sped up Version) - Aliyah's Interlude AkitaBorn to guard and hunt for the ruling class, this Japanese breed prefers silent vigilance over barking. They require well-equipped owners who are ready to provide real training and who can respect their independence. That said, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fiercely loyal doggo. @korathekita that about sums it up! #akita #akitainu #japaneseakita #foryoupage #fyp ♬ Carefree Days - Peaceful Reveries Newfoundland Newfoundlands, or Newfies as they’re sometimes called, might get rambunctious around water (they used to be the go-to dog for sailors, after all), but they are generally calm, sweet, and gentle—even around kids. @animalsdiscovery1 Newfoudland Dog Breed ? #newfoundland #bigdog ♬ [Animals and dishes] Cute BGM - Sound Owl SalukiThe Saluki, or Persian Greyhound, is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds and developed such great speed (up to 42 miles per hour) that barking was rarely a necessity. Give these speed demons plenty of exercise and a good amount of training, and you’re set. @willy_vidz1 SALUKI 3 INTERESTING FACTS ⚠️? COMMENT YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS AMAZING BREED ??? #dog #doglover #dogs #dogoftiktok #dogoftheday #puppy #doglover #naturelove #fyp #fypシ゚viral #fyoupage #foryourpage ♬ original sound - Willy Vidz Soft-Coated Wheaten TerrierWheatens don’t bark all that much, but they do have a notably enthusiastic and acrobatic greeting known as the “Wheaten greetin’.” Other than that, though, they’re pretty darn chill. @luneytoons The classic wheaten greetin! #wheatengreetin #scwt #donteverleaveme ♬ original sound - LuneyToons Shih TzuThe royally beloved Shih Tzu busts the myth that all small breeds are yappy. These happy-go-lucky pups have centuries of experience acting as quiet companions to kings and queens. So if you’re looking to make your studio apartment feel a bit more like a palace, consider taking one of these sweeties in. @ozzytheshihtz it’s a hard life ?? #petsoftiktok #dogsoftiktok #shihtzusoftiktok #shihtzu #fyp ♬ original sound - Joe Gunn As for which breeds are the loudest, PetsRadar lists Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Siberian Huskies (no surprise there), and Beagles as the biggest culprits.That said, whether you have a Whippet or a Chihuahua, there are certain things you can do to instill some quiet habits in your pup. The key is to know why your dog is vocalizing—marking territory, greeting, compulsion, attention-seeking, etc. Each reason will require a slightly different approach. Each reason will require a slightly different approach. Of course, while some breeds are naturally soft-spoken, every dog has its own individual personality—and its own reasons for vocalizing. With patience, training, and a whole lot of love, even the chattiest dog can learn to use their "inside voice."Or you could always get a cat.

High school teacher Kelly Gibson does an exercise with her class every year: she asks students to write out their biggest, wildest, most ambitious dreams.You can probably imagine the type of answers she often gets:"Is your dream to sign with the NFL? Win America's Got Talent? Get a full ride scholarship for a university? Become the first brain surgeon at the age of 18? Win NASCAR?" she says in the intro to a recent TikTok video."Over the years, these answers have given me a lot of insight into what's going on with the generation."That's why this year's responses from students were so telling.Gibson says 10 years ago, her students were all hyper-focused on getting into top colleges and securing prestigious internships. Five years (because of the pandemic, she theorizes) many of her kids dreamt of being doctors and nurses.Not her students in 2025."Instead of dreaming of accomplishing things, instead they have things like 'I won 2 billion dollars', 'I won the lottery', 'I just won a new truck', 'I won the lottery'," she says, reading off the written responses she received. Of course, there were still students who dreamt of curing cancer of playing pro sports, but this overwhelming focus on "winning" money was a clear stand-out, and a stark difference from previous years."The majority of them were about getting money, and getting money quickly." @gibsonishere They don’t dream of joy or pride- just stability. Just money. #genz #edutok #money #dream #highschool So there you have it. Young Gen Z-ers are lazy and entitled, right? Gibson says No. The answers, to her, tell a different story entirely."The last five years have been awfully rough on our young people. They are growing up [and] seeing a world that does not have a lot of hope in it," she says."We've lost the ability of our young people to dream of doing something and being successful at something in this world. Instead, what they see is... the only way you can survive is to have a lot of money. Forget hope, forget dreams, just get cash." Gen Zers struggle to find hope. Photo by Devin Avery on Unsplash This sounds like it can't possibly be true, but it is: A Harvard poll recently found that half of all Gen Zers suffer from depression requiring clinical treatment. Half. Why? Pick your poison: Climate change reaching the point of no return, the unaffordability of every day necessities, and the worst political division we've seen in decades, just to scratch the surface.It's bleak, but why worry about what you want to achieve in the future when you're not sure there will be a future?There may be other motivators behind these answers, too. Many young people don't have a "dream job" because their dream is not to work, but to live. Those prestigious internships everyone was chasing a decade ago, after all, only lead to a lot of unpaid work so that you can eventually work for a company that will likely lay you off one day. Gen Zers are smart enough to pick up on what has happened to the generations who came before them, and they want a different path for themselves.Over a million people viewed Gibson's video on TikTok and Instagram, and many chimed in with their own theories on the dramatic shift."This might be a hot take, but I think it is a privilege to dream. It means someone is not in survival mode and has the necessities to be able to want more. Maslow was right about that hierarchy of needs""They’re dreaming 'big' of safety and security""Gen Z is getting so much flack but they are very correct about the future we're all heading towards and people don't want to admit it.""the saddest part is that winning a million dollars anymore means half buys a modest house and the rest is for property tax.""My teens see no future here. No housing.. no healthcare.. no childcare.. no college. It doesn’t matter how hard you work; you’ll struggle. And you WILL work until you die. There is no more American Dream, you cannot survive on one income and that makes it impossible to raise a family. They SEE the world we created for them."Despite the doom and gloom, Gibson ended on a hopeful note. @gibsonishere But… yeah… but we NEED TO DREAM! #genz #edutok #money #dream #highschool "I am so disappointed. Not in these kids, but in us as an older society who have built a world where that's all kids can dream about," she says.She called on adults to 'do better' and do more to offer kids a chance at a bright future. In a follow up video, she urged parents and educators not to just encourage kids to dream, but to support policies that "make life livable." She also says we need to model chasing joy and not money in our own lives. "Hope is a skill, and it's one we teach by example."Finally, Gibson implored young people not to give up."Gen Z, I need you to know there is still hope in the world. And chasing what you love is worthwhile."

Last names can reveal a great deal about where a person's journey began, tracing back multiple generations. It's one of the reasons people used to be very keen on having a male child to preserve the family name, therefore preserving the lineage. Until more recently, it was expected that nearly all female children would get married as young adults, adopting their husband's surname. While women still largely take their husband's last name as their own, more women are choosing to keep their maiden names. Other women are choosing not to marry at all, avoiding the legal paperwork, and instead valuing domestic partnership. But even with slightly fewer women dropping their maiden names, MyHeritage, a global family history platform, notes that a list of surnames is near extinction. The revelation comes after the researchers for the platform reviewed the U.S. Census Bureau database.Researchers were originally looking for last names that have surged in the U.S. and those that have declined. Their discovery was shocking. They found that five last names that were once popular are now on the threatened name list, while 10 surnames are on the endangered list, if such lists existed for last names. That's 15 names in total that are dwindling so quickly that they may disappear within a few generations if there's no intervention. Historic encounter between explorers and indigenous people.Photo credit: CanvaWhat names are on the list? While a few are German or Scottish, most of the names on the list are of English origin and may be surprising. We're starting with the names most vulnerable to complete extinction first. Endangered Surname ListWooledge: Is down to just 90 people who carry that last name. Tuffin: Has just 91 bearers of the last name according to the 2010 census.Zillmann: According to MyHeritage, the surname is the Americanized version of the Dutch and German surname Tillmann, but America is down to 95 individuals who still carry the moniker. Elegant historical portraits of a lady and a gentleman.Photo credit: CanvaAmmen: Only 96 people in the U.S. still carry this surname.Rugger: Is also barely hanging on with 96 people claiming this last name as their own. Bevere: This name, possibly of Irish origin, is now down to 97 people still carrying it. Blander: A name of German origin has gone down from 125 to 97 descendants who still possess the name. Summerbell: For a name that sounds fit for a storybook, it's sad that only 98 people in the U.S. call the name theirs. Yess: This surname decreased from 123 on the 2000 census to just 99.Bouchier: Likely derived from the French word for Butcher, according to MyHeritage, is down to 99. U.S. Census 2020 paperwork ready to be filled out.Photo credit: CanvaThreatened Name List Hall: There are still 407,076 people who carry this name.Bell: Folks like the famous Kristen Bell are holding the line for this shrinking surname, with just 220,599 still claiming the name in America.Ball: The last name Ball is getting close to entering endangered status, with just 66,059 people using the last name.Small: Fell by 12.3% between the 2000 and 2010 census.Walters: This seemingly common last name decreased by 14,905. Happy family moments filled with laughter and love.Photo credit: CanvaSo what is causing the decrease in surnames? According to Naama Lanski, Researcher at MyHeritage, "Surnames disappear due to a convergence of demographic, social, and historical factors: family lines dying out, high mortality from conflict or disease, societal practices like adopting a spouse’s name, and historical pressures such as assimilation or discrimination. Immigration and administrative errors also altered or erased names permanently."Lanski explains to Upworthy that doing family research is imperative not only to keep surnames alive but also for understanding the history of our ancestors. Welcoming the newest family member with love and joy.Photo credit: Canva"All this underscores the importance of family history research. Names carry the stories of our ancestors, and even when they vanish, MyHeritage empowers people to trace changes, uncover original surnames, and reconnect lost family lines, helping them preserve the identities, memories, and legacies of their families for future generations," the researcher tells Upworthy. "Following this, we have noticed a trend where people are returning to bear the original surnames of their ancestors, which is a rather beautiful way of connecting to one’s roots."

In recent years, there's been a lot of consternation from older generations over Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Gen Z is said to be lazy, phone-addicted, apathetic, and rude. Gen Alpha, a young generation that not just adopted TikTok but was raised in a world firmly rooted in it, is said to be disrespectful, defiant, and suffering from "brainrot" from too much social media slang and constant memes (can you say 6-7?).In short, a lot of adults think the kids are doomed. But while there are legitimate concerns about the world young people are growing up in and what kind of impact that may have on them, it's important for us all to remember that, at one point, the whole world thought we were doomed, too—no matter how old we are or which generation we're a part of.History Hustle recently put together an incredible montage of adults moaning and groaning about "kids these days." You'll be shocked at how far back this phenomenon really goes.According to the video, a Time Magazine quote from 2001 bemoaned that young adults (Gen Xers) were too enamored with travel and adventure and didn't want to work hard in the workplace.An article in the Falkirk Herald in 1951 complained that the Silent Generation’s young people "were so pampered nowadays that they had forgotten that there was such a thing as walking…."A history book from 1933 wrote, "women painted like prostitutes… throwing off every kind of social restraint… all of these go to prove that it is now the vulgar mob that gives the tone." That’s your Greatest Generation great-grandma the author is talking about, by the way.A Japanese monk named Kenkō wrote in 1330 that "Modern fashions seem to keep growing more and more debased... The ordinary spoken language has also steadily coarsened."Aristotle was even complaining about young people all the way back in the 4th century BC! - YouTube www.youtube.com Why does every generation seem to "hate" the next one? Experts say this contentious cycle is actually a feature of cultural evolution, not a bug. In other words, the conflict is necessary.Pop culture historian Marie Nicola says each generation defines itself by "rupture.""And what I mean by 'rupture' is that culture must detach from the inherited norms in order to create something new," Nicola says. "That something new isn't about destruction, it's about a generation making space for its worldview. For a generation to become itself it usually breaks the rules of the generation before it. But, the older generation looks at it as a collapse, not a rupture."When we went through this process ourselves, we viewed it as progress. When younger generations do it, we see it as the breaking of something that’s good and essential. In other words, millennials fought for LOL and OMG, so it naturally stings to watch younger generations abandon those perfectly useful abbreviations for their own unique (and purposefully nonsensical) slang.Kent Bausman, a sociology professor at Maryville University, agrees:"Generations are shaped by the major cultural and historical forces they experience in their formative years (wars, economic downturns, political movements, demographic shifts). These events leave deep imprints, shaping how people interpret and engage with the world going forward. Music, art, fashion, and even language habits all flow from those shared experiences. When older generations take offense or express concern about younger ones, it’s often because their own cultural reference points, the sounds, styles, and values that once anchored their sense of meaning, no longer hold the same authority. It can feel as if the world has moved on without them."Clinical psychologist Samantha Whiten puts it bluntly: "People are terrified of dying. Young people are seen as dangerous because their existence makes people aware of their own mortality. The more scared of aging you are, the more you hate young people who represent potential and the future that you won't be part of!"The most contentious and obvious example of generations carving out their own identity can be seen in art. In the 1920s, jazz was considered "the Devil’s music" by many and was even banned in some places. Rock 'n' roll, punk rock, rap—same story.It’s hard to imagine, but in the 18th century people really believed that fiction novels would corrupt the mind, especially in young people."Critics of the time worried that people were slipping into a fantasy realm and losing their grip on reality. Novels were blamed for basically just about everything, from increasing promiscuity in young women to encouraging suicide and self-harm in young men," writes 1000 Libraries Magazine.And today, we lament that kids don't read enough. The moral panic literally never ends. - YouTube www.youtube.com Nicola says that the outrage and debate over new norms, however, are a crucial part of our culture's evolution:"And again, this is important, because for the cultural evolution, the tension in that debate is how we transform. We analyze and debate these topics of tension, which creates a generation's shared narrative that is then argued over dinner tables, media desks, government, movies, music, influencers and through that we eventually normalize it, because it's been examined from every angle through this inter-generational debate. This inter-generational conflict is how we metabolize change."The differences between generations can't always be chalked up to positive change, of course. For example, millennials were once found to be more narcissistic, while Gen Xers have typically been shown to be more pessimistic and apathetic than younger generations.But again, these traits are responses to the world around us as we come into our most formative years. You can't separate Gen Alpha and Gen Z from the world they inherited (social media, affordability crises, political division) any more than you can separate the Greatest Generation from World War II.So for now, we’ll just have to live with rizz and 6-7 and slay. But it’s also okay for us to hate it and get a little worked up by it. In fact, it's what we're supposed to do.

Baby name trends change every year. In 2025, the top baby names are Olivia and Noah.But another big trend in baby naming is the rising popularity of "old people" names. Names that were once considered "old lady" or "old man" names are making a strong comeback.People on Reddit discussed the old-fashioned baby names that are becoming popular again. Here are 36 old people names that are coming back in style: - YouTube www.youtube.com "There are 1 year old twins in my neighborhood, Abigail and Eleanor. Their father is a history teacher." - User Unknown"There's a girl in my grandson's class named Mildred." - historiangirl"I heard a parent call a little girl by her name of Margaret. I had a totally inappropriate giggle when I immediately thought of asking if her middle name was Thatcher." - Extension-College783"I never met a Henry my age. They were always my grandparents’ age or older, until recently." - Nightmare_Gerbil"When I was a kid, only old people were called 'Harry', 'Jack' or 'George' but now they're really popular." - eezgorriseadback"I have a baby in my life named Jean." - User Unknown"Nephew named Malcolm. That was a really unfashionable old man name back when I was little, but there’s a bunch of them now." - Visible-Proposal-690"I’m a mid-millennial and my high school cheerleading captain was named Beverly and it was such a gorgeous perfect name for just a wonderfully lovely girl. She went by Bev and it was simply perfect! I love it." - apsalarmal"Winston!" - Polishing_My_Grapple"I recently met a baby Nancy. In my daughter's preschool class there's a Dorothy and a Warren. There's a Horace we see frequently at the park. In my son's class there's a Ned and his brother Norman is a grade above." - ivy-river See on Instagram "The toddler down the street is Walter, and I love it." - MoonpieTexas1971"I just met a baby named Harold." - another_feminist"I know of a ten year old Gary." - SLPcat"I know a 6-year-old Agnes." - TheNatureOfTheGame"I met a Hildegard at the playground the other day, they say they call her Hildy." - EntertainmentKey8588"I know a kindergartner Bernadette." - Lily_Of_The_Valley_6"I was a little shocked to recently meet a cute little 3yo boy named Clark." - curious_tangerine_"I met a toddler named named Martha. She was a very sweet little girl." - faegold"I’m also a fan of old people names and just welcomed a Josephine to the world." - stacksofunreadbooks"Friend has a toddler named Vera." - PilotNo312 @hellomorgantimm I've also been finding the people from my yearbooks in the cemeteries which has been really cool! these are the most one of a kind names we found this weekend, I'm eager to start looking for more! #babynameideas #babynameinspo #nameconsultant #babynames "My brother in law is a Stanley. I’m used to it now, years on, but meeting a 5 year old Stanley was definitely odd. I’d also add Hettie to this list." - sprengirl"Terry. Everyone else has like very old grandma and grandpa names. And then there is Terry I find it absolutely hilarious and adorable." - User Unknown"Bill - not William, Just Bill. He's a really cool kid!" - AMD1811"Frederick. When I told my mom I was naming my son Frederick she scrunched her face and said, 'but that’s an old man name!' I reminded her that every old man named Fred was once a baby named Fred. My son is a tween now and I can’t imagine him being anything but a Fred." - incredigirl_"My daughters (currently in college, so this would have been about 10 years ago) had a girl named Phyllis on their elementary school bus." - jillmh75"My best friend named her baby girl Florence and I LOVE IT ?." - TrashleyGaming"While I LOVE the name Hazel, I always associate it as an old lady's name. This might be due to the fact that the only Hazel I have known is my Great Aunt Hazel. But I do think it is a beautiful name." - Ok-Poem-6188

Sometimes, half the problem is breaking down what the problem actually is. Assessing a situation and coming up with a logistical game plan before executing a solution is often imperative when we're facing an issue. The ability to separate the practical from the emotional, which isn't always easy, is usually helpful when facing problems big and small.The Marines have an acronym that helps break down the five steps of an "order" from a commanding officer: SMEAC, which stands for SITUATION, MISSION, EXECUTION, ADMINISTRATION/LOGISTICS, and finally…COMMAND. In terms of military use, it's used to provide a clear-cut objective and plan. (The U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Canadian and Australian Armies are a few other military forces also use some version of this five-step order.) See on Instagram But SMEAC is also applicable to everyday situations. One can take an issue, piece by piece, and use this problem-solving tool to address it. Explained on a veteran's Instagram page,: "In essence, the Marine Corps’ Five Paragraph Order teaches us the importance of thorough preparation, clear objectives, efficient execution, logistical proficiency and effective leadership – principles that transcend military operations and are invaluable in navigating the complexities of business and life."I reached out to a friend who had served in the U.S. Marines for over 10 years. She fondly remembered the acronym and explained how to use it in "civilian terms.""Let's say your kid won't go to school," she says. "First, you assess the situation. What's happening? Okay, my 12-year-old won't get up and go to school. The mission? Get the kid to go to school." Here's where it got interesting. "The execution isn't as cut and dry as one might think. Perhaps the kid isn't going to school because he's being bullied or having problems learning. This is where some research might come into play to determine how you're going to execute your plan." Not going to school like this. Giphy Hey Arnold, Nickelodeon The fourth step comes down to who you are going to get to help you. "Admin, which is really just the logistical aspect of things, is asking who is on your team? Who will help you get your kid back to school? Perhaps it's a family member or a guidance counselor? And finally, command—which is really just the chain of events that need to happen to put the plan in place."These five steps can apply to just about everything from solving family issues to running a business. In fact, many businesses use it as a blueprint for growing stronger.In the article, "How the Marine Corps 5-Paragraph Order Can Supercharge Your Small Business Planning," author Steve Kelly writes, "The transition from infantry operations to entrepreneurship might seem like a leap, but any Marine will tell you: mission success always comes down to clarity, preparation, and execution. That’s exactly what the Marine Corps 5-paragraph order—SMEAC—delivers. In the Corps, we used SMEAC to survive and accomplish missions. In business, I use it to scale and succeed. And so can you."From this standpoint, Kelly gives this example:SITUATION: Ask: 'Who are your competitors? What's changing in your market?'MISSION: Ask: 'What are you trying to achieve? Is it realistic, measurable, and aligned with your company’s vision?'EXECUTION: Ask: 'How are you going to make it happen?' (Here he advises to assign roles, set milestones, and build contingency plans.)ADMIN and LOGISTICS: Ask: 'What tools, technology, or systems are needed? Do you have the right staff?'COMMAND and SIGNAL: Ask: 'Who's leading the charge?' And recommends 'defining leadership.'"There are quite a few online threads where people discuss the SMEAC steps. In one Reddit post, an Aussie asks, "Is it the bee’s knees, or does anyone have anything more succinct yet functional? Really interested in your location and viewpoint. For myself, I'm an Aussie and have found that whilst many emergency services utilise the format, some use others." @leadershiprants #SMEAC is a #military term that is used to outline a #mission, #task or something to be achieved. As an ex-Aussie militaryman who spent time in the #AirForceCadets, #Army and #Navy I used this with my teams many times to focus them, communicate the mission and make sure that nothing was missed in the #planning. #productivity #communicating #effectiveness #managementtraining #leadershiptraining #leadership #leadershipstyle #fyp #foryoupage #ezytrac #gladfishproperty #brettsrants #leaders #managing A commenter replies, "I think it's a great way to plan a mission because it keeps you organized, guides your oral delivery of the order, and can be scaled up or down easily."While this thread was military-centric, it's clear that these attributes would help in almost every situation. Organization, communication, and logistics can apply wherever one might need. It's just a matter of keeping calm and going through each step when tackling an issue. And while using the SMEAC method can't, of course, solve every problem, it certainly could be a good place to start.