Boomer Energy

 

There. I said it. Boomer energy. Until just recently, I was totally unaware that there was such a thing. But there is and if I’m the first one to relate this to you, it’s time to get on board.

Apparently, boomer energy is rubbing other Gens the wrong way. In my book, that’s okay because some GenX and Millennials are driving us around the bend. But boomer energy goes beyond disputed techniques for how to load a dishwasher.

Let’s start with the unsolicited phone call. The WHAT you say?? Yes, boomers were comfortable with landlines and then cell phones came along. So? Apparently, just picking up the cell phone to call a Millennial or a GenZ is a faux pas. What? Out of the blue you’re calling to see what’s up and how’s the family? That’s what texting is for you idiot!

If you think that unnerves younger Gens, try showing up in person without advance notice. The unannounced drop-bye might as well be a bomb dropped on unsuspecting civilians. It’s another case where an advance text is appropriate. That will give them time to clear out and go to the beach or mountains before you show.

Next on the list of bad energy generation are comments about personal appearance. You might think it’s okay to note someone’s weight loss or new hair style. DON’T. Younger gens guard aspects of self and body image in a way that is foreign to the boomer desire to show interest and caring in a direct manner. You’ve been warned.

Right on the heels of personal appearance comments comes unsolicited advice. I can give you some unsolicited advice right now because I’m assuming we’re speaking boomer to boomer. It’s best that you just restrain yourself from offering any advice to a younger Gen unless you’ve been asked for an opinion. Even then, there’s a high risk of blowback that your advice will go unappreciated – or worse.

If all this bad energy on our part is disheartening to you, know this. Someday soon, the Gens that find our behavior irritating, will be irritating some generation that does not even have a name yet, and that is the kind of Karma we can all appreciate.

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His most recent mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.