I don’t know if it’s the same in all countries, but in my country, Lebanon, I often notice that people have some annoying and destructive old-school habits they keep doing. These habits often have many negative consequences on the country and on our daily lives. Here’s a list of 10 old-school habits we need to stop doing:
1. Not taking rules seriously
This applies to laws (ex. traffic laws – we have the most irresponsible drivers), health rules (ex. “don’t eat this type of food because it’ll cause you health problems”, or “don’t go out because you might catch or spread the Coronavirus”), or any kind of rules. Perhaps the reason for that, besides the people’s own ignorance, is that due to the government’s incompetency, rules were never really properly enforced in the country. Be responsible people! Rules were made for your own safety and benefit, as well as the safety and benefit of others.
2. Being hot-tempered & over-reactive
Old-school men are generally guilty of this habit. Have you ever noticed how many men from the older generation are very short-fused and hot-tempered in this country? I’ve always wondered why that was. The simplest thing makes them over-react, get angry and raise their voices. Was anger considered a positive “manly” trait in the past? Well it’s definitely not. I don’t care how old you are, if you act like a short-fused irrational pain in the neck, you are one. You might often get away with it, but one day it will backfire on you, and you will get a good slap in the face as a reality check.
3. Littering
This actually falls under the habit of not taking rules seriously, but it deserves to be mentioned by itself because of how annoying and destructive it is. Many people have a bad old habit of throwing things out of their car windows thinking it’s just 1 small thing, it won’t matter. Well, when everyone does it, it piles up… and it does matter!
4. Buying more food than necessary
This is not actually a big deal… old-school moms are generally guilty of that habit. I understand that back in the day, people had to stock up because of the war and scarcity, and because commuting wasn’t as easy as it is now. Luckily, we now have delivery, so if you can order fresh food whenever you need it, why stock up large quantities and heat up old or frozen food each time you need to eat?! Old heated food can never match freshly made food.
5. Not listening to others’ opinions
Stubbornness and pride are the main reasons for this issue. Either they are so used to an old habit that they can’t afford to listen to some new opinion or approach concerning it, or their sense of pride doesn’t allow them to listen to advice from someone else, especially if it’s someone who’s younger than them, because they have the mentality of “I’m older so I’m wiser”. We actually have an Arabic saying that translates into “he who’s 1 day older than you, is 1 year wiser than you”… This saying can’t be more untrue. Some people also suffer from the “know it all syndrome”. They think they already know everything and that they’re always right, so their ego doesn’t allow them to listen to anybody else. How dumb is that?
6. Blindly following politics and believing politicians
We all saw where that got us: several destructive wars that started before we were born, hundreds of needless casualties, the destruction of the country physically and economically, and seemingly irreversible hate among the country’s people. Your blind love and support caused this… enjoy it.
7. Not saying “no” to wrong
This might be considered the root of all evil. If everyone said “no” to “wrong” 30-40 years ago, we wouldn’t have reached the messed up situation we’re in now. If we start saying “no” to wrong now, we and our children might have a better life 20-30 years from now. All it takes is a little courage to stand up for what’s right. If we see someone doing something wrong (ex. littering or breaking rules), please have the courage to step up and talk some sense into them. It doesn’t have to be aggressive, communication can be done peacefully too.
8. Being negative, pessimistic or hopeless
Pessimism and negativity are contagious. All it takes to get rid of it is a change of perspective. Look at the bright side of things, count your blessings, and focus on the positive. Next time you hear someone being negative and pessimistic, please help them change their perspective.
9. Not taking responsibility for today’s problems
If you broke the vase, admit it, then clean up the mess. Don’t just admit it and stand there. Do something to fix it, buy a new one, or step aside let someone else clean it up or buy a new one. Don’t be an obstacle. Your irresponsibility and recklessness got us here, now please let us fix what you ruined… or better yet, help us.
10. Not properly raising our kids
Unfortunately, because parents don’t properly raise their kids, the kids end up having the same bad habits as their parents did, and some turn out even worse than their parents.
Stop doing these mistakes. The purpose of this article isn’t to shame, blame, or make anyone feel guilty. Its purpose is for current and younger generations to learn from the mistakes and imperfections of their predecessors, and start acting responsibly to build a better future. You can’t change the past, but you can control the present, and shape the future. Do it.
