Millennials have often been called the "me" generation since they tend to be independent and career-driven. They're simply navigating life in a completely different era than generations before. Nonetheless, some of their everyday habits may unintentionally leave their parents feeling unappreciated, overlooked, or even guilty.
From moving far away from home to prioritizing friendships over family, here are eight common millennial behaviors that can sometimes sting the generation that raised you.
We all know that life moves at lightning speed nowadays. Between romantic relationships, work, and starting a family, it's easy to let weeks or months fly by without visiting home.
Past generations viewed visits as a cornerstone of family life. Phone calls can suffice, but nothing really compares to seeing your relatives face-to-face.
Even though it can be tough to prioritize visits against your busy schedule, remember that showing up for your parents means a lot, even if it's just a weekly or monthly Sunday dinner.
Moving out is one of the biggest milestones that all young adults look forward to. However, moving out is one thing, and moving away to a brand-new city or state is another.
It can be extremely tough for parents to cope with the sudden distance. They may feel more disconnected from your life than ever before and suffer a sense of loss.
That's why it's important to stay in touch with updates and make your parents feel involved in your journey. Call more, send photos, and even have a weekly video chat. Your bond can stay just as strong with the help of today's technology as long as you hold up your end of the bargain.
Millennials (and now Gen Zers) have been taught to hustle. In the wake of a more competitive job market than ever, professionals have to chase career advancement to stay relevant.
Unfortunately, though, the drive to succeed can sometimes come at the cost of family time. This is a tough pill to swallow for many parents, who might've been raised with the belief that family gatherings are non-negotiable.
Plus, if you frequently miss get-togethers or one-on-one visits in favor of your work, your parents may feel unimportant and disappointed in your choices.
We'd be lying if we said that striking a balance between career and family is easy. Nonetheless, the first step is acknowledging your parents' feelings and working to carve out space for them, whether that's meeting up for lunch or squeezing in an after-work phone call.
Speaking of calling home, it's natural to turn to your parents for advice. After all, they've been there for you in the past and will always be your parents.
Yet, if they only hear from you when you need something, that's not fair. Your parents might start to think they're just your safety net as opposed to a priority.
Transactional communication will only make your parents feel as if your love for them is conditional. So, try to reach out for other reasons, like sharing good news or simply checking in on how they're doing.
Family traditions are more than just routines. They foster connection and continuity across generations, creating experiences and stories that you and all of your relatives can share.
If you opt out of these traditions, it may seem like you're stepping away from the memories and history that your parents worked hard to create.
I get it: we all have a certain holiday tradition that maybe drives us nuts. Still, as frustrating as it might be, it's sometimes best to just go along with it. Your parents, sadly, won't be here forever, and you may look back on the tradition fondly once it officially comes to an end.
When you truly bond with a great friend group, they can become like your chosen family. Even so, consistently choosing to spend time with your friends over your parents can be really hurtful for them, especially if it becomes a noticeable pattern.
You may inadvertently send the message that your parents aren't a priority but rather something you fit into your schedule when it's convenient. Keep this in mind and try to show up for them, even in small ways.
Everyone has the goal of becoming financially independent. Regardless, many people find themselves still relying on their parents for help, and it can create a sense of guilt or frustration that goes unspoken.
Each time you ask for financial assistance, your parents might be reminded of their own challenges and the sacrifices they've made to support you.
Your parents want to see you succeed and become self-sufficient, not because they want to quit lending you a hand, but because they hope you can stand on your own two feet.
In today's economy, it's understandable why so many adults are struggling, so have open conversations about finances with your parents and make it known that you're grateful for their help.
Finally, do you chronicle your every move and achievement on social media? After sharing all your milestones online, you may forget to tell your parents about your life.
Technology can create a divide between you and your parents, especially if they aren't avid users or able to keep up with your life on their feed.
Don't forget to reach out and update them on your relationship status, career changes, travel plans, and any other major developments before you tell your followers. It'll help your parents feel much more involved.
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If you picture your future child growing up with a strong academic drive, a polished sense of style, and an appreciation for the finer things in life, then a preppy baby name might be just what you're searching for.
They're rich in tradition, refined, and have a timeless elegance to them. Think about the character Blair Waldorf from the hit TV series Gossip Girl. She definitely wasn't perfect, but she had an undeniable grace and power about her that was captivating.
By giving your latest addition a preppy name, you're allowing them the opportunity to aspire to an elevated lifestyle with sophistication. So, whether you love more classic picks or modern takes, here are some of the best preppy baby names.
With English roots, the name Everett means "strong as a boar" and would be perfect for a brave baby boy.
It has a distinguished and charming ring to it, and it's a great alternative to other similar names, such as Emmett.
Originally used as an English surname, Kensington is both elegant and poised. It's also the name of a prestigious district in London that's known for its affluence, so it carries a sense of grandeur and high society.
You don't have to call your baby girl "Kensington" all the time, either. Instead, her cute and spunky nickname could be "Kenzie."
The name Crew may be short, but it's very strong sounding and has sporty connotations, partly thanks to its association with the rowing sport.
It's English in origin and modern yet unique, making it a great fit for an active and athletic little boy.
Emerson was transitioned from a traditional surname to a popular given name. With English roots, it was originally used solely for boys, but in recent years, it has gained popularity for girls as well.
This gender-neutral name is versatile, graceful, and contemporary. If you're a lover of literature, you might even appreciate its ties to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American essayist.
Meaning "park keeper," the name Parker originated as an occupational surname in medieval England. Despite its long-standing historical associations, it's remained relevant and fresh-feeling today.
The name carries a subtle sophistication and strikes a nice balance between trendiness and timelessness.
Ansley is another preppy name with Old English origins that was first used as a surname. Since then, it's evolved into a given name that's simple but elegant.
If you're looking for a sweet-sounding name that's traditional and not overused, Ansley may be the answer.
You might recognize Tanner as a last name from the Millennial-beloved classic TV show, "Full House."
The occupational surname, which has roots in English, Dutch, and German, also makes for an intriguing given name with old-school charm. It carries a sense of history with a fresh, down-to-earth feel.
Last but certainly not least is Hadley. Meaning "heather field," this name is a serene yet chic choice for any baby girl.
It's dynamic, stylish, and undeniably preppy. Plenty of parents seem to agree as well because Hadley rose from being rarely used during the 1980s to becoming the 129th most popular girl baby name in the U.S. in 2024.
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You read that correctly: Tom Brady and Irina Shayk (yes, Bradley Cooper's ex-wife) may be back together. Despite the fact we thought the former pro-football player and Gisele Bündchen were endgame, we discovered some good things don't last forever. But the heartbreak didn't seem to matter once Tom found model Irina Shayk — at least until they broke up for a while.
Imagine everyone's surprise now that the two are allegedly dating again. It's like the tale of the two exes who can't leave each other alone no matter how hard they try. Whether this is good or bad is TBD, but we're intrigued either way!
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Page Sixreported Tom Brady and Irina Shayk are rumored to be dating again, per a source. The anonymous person said, "Tom and Irina have started dating each other again and are open to see where things go" which seems extremely vague.
Adding more ambiguity to the will-they-won't-they rumor mill? A second source revealedthat the former couple had "been talking on the phone" around the New Year — and were allegedly planning a trip together — according to Page Six. "Neither one is in a serious relationship right now, so why not take a trip.”
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Prior to this, Tom Brady and Irina Shayk only dated for a short time before closing their door on their relationship. TMZ exclusively reported they'd chosen to amicably break up because things simply "fizzled out." According to an earlier Page Six article, the sexy couple were no longer spotted together at different events which raised eyebrows about their dating status.
It's safe to say that Tom Brady & Irina Shayk's "relationship" may have been more of a "situationship" because they were first linked after paparazzi spotted the latter being picked up from Hotel Bel-Air by Brady last summer (via Page Six). The eager photographers must've camped out at Tom's house overnight because they also spotted the two leaving his home the next morning. One can only assumed what happened, but it seems like they reportedly had a date shortly after that (via Page Six).
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The former couple have yet to make public comments about if they're dating or not — they could just be having fun! If either way is the case, we wish them all the luck in the world!
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