Millennials have brought many positive changes to the world, but let’s be honest: some of their habits drive the rest of us up the wall.
Constant Social Media Oversharing
Social media has become a second home for many millennials, but not everyone wants to be dragged into their every waking moment, including what they had for breakfast or every gym session. It’s not just the frequency, either; the curated perfection and endless selfies can feel like a never-ending assault on the senses.
Obsession with Avocado Everything
The humble avocado has been elevated to superstar status by millennials, appearing in everything like toast and smoothies. But for many Brits, the obsession has gone too far, and it’s not that avocados are bad – they’re actually quite tasty – but when every brunch menu is dominated by smashed avocado on sourdough, it starts to feel like a bit much.
Incessant Need for Validation
People from the millennial generation often seem to require constant validation, whether it’s through likes on Instagram or praise at work. This need for affirmation can be exhausting for those around them, who might feel like they’re walking on eggshells to avoid causing any offence.
Side Hustle Bragging
Having a side hustle is practically a badge of honour for millennials, but not everyone is impressed by the relentless hustle culture. It’s great to have ambition, but when conversations are dominated by talk of passive income streams, online businesses, and the grind, it can get tiresome.
Overuse of Buzzwords
Young people are notorious for their love of buzzwords, and it’s starting to grate on everyone else; phrases like “disrupt the industry,” “thought leader,” and “let’s unpack that” have become so overused that they’ve lost all meaning. It’s as if plain speaking has gone out of fashion, replaced by jargon.
Cancel Culture Enthusiasm
Cancel culture, where people are publicly shamed or boycotted for perceived wrongdoings, has found its biggest champions in millennials. While holding people accountable is important, the eagerness to cancel anyone who makes a mistake can feel excessive.
Inability to Unplug
For many millennials, the idea of switching off their devices and disconnecting from the online world seems impossible, and this constant connectivity can be frustrating for those who value face-to-face interaction. Whether it’s at dinner, during a conversation, or even while watching TV, the incessant need to check notifications is a habit that drives others up the wall.
Food Intolerance Fads
Often at the forefront of the latest food trends, the millennial generation has a penchant for self-diagnosed food intolerances, which has become a bit much for the average Brit. Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free – you name it, they’ve cut it out.
Aversion to Phone Calls
For some reason, millennials seem to have developed an aversion to making phone calls, meaning texting, emailing, and messaging are their preferred methods of communication. While this might be convenient for them, it can be frustrating for those who value the directness and clarity of a good old-fashioned chat.
Love of Corporate Lingo
Big on corporate lingo that’s starting to drive everyone else mad, younger people are using terms like “synergy,” “circle back,” and “moving the needle,” which have infiltrated everyday conversation. This is making what should be straightforward discussions sound like marketing meetings.
Insta-Worthy Lifestyles
The pressure to maintain an Insta-worthy lifestyle has led many millennials to curate their lives to perfection – at least on social media. Whether it’s meticulously arranged flat lays or perfectly posed travel photos, the obsession with aesthetics can be exhausting for those who prefer a more relaxed approach.
Ghosting
Ghosting – the act of suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation – has become a notorious habit among this particular generation. While it might be an easy way to avoid awkward conversations, it’s incredibly frustrating for those on the receiving end.
Startup Worship
Millennials have a strong admiration for startups, often idolising the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation they represent; however, this worship of the startup culture can be tiresome, especially when it’s coupled with a disdain for traditional careers or companies. Not everyone wants to be their own boss, and that’s okay.
Eco-Friendly Guilt Trips
Caring for the environment is important, and younger people have played a significant role in pushing for eco-friendly practices. Yet their tendency to guilt-trip others who aren’t as eco-conscious can be a bit much, whether it’s about recycling, reducing plastic use, or eating less meat.
Overthinking Everything
Known for their tendency to overthink, the millennial generation has a habit of analysing every decision, conversation, and interaction to the point of exhaustion. While reflection can be a good thing, overthinking can lead to anxiety and a lot of unnecessary stress – not just for themselves but for everyone around them.
Coffee Snobbery
With their love for artisanal brews, flat whites, and single-origin beans, millennials have turned coffee into an art form, but for those who are happy with a simple cup of instant or a builder’s tea, this coffee snobbery can be a bit much. It’s great that they appreciate good coffee, but the endless debates over brewing methods can feel pretentious.
Endless Talk of Mental Health
Lastly, as we know, mental health awareness is crucial, and millennials have been instrumental in bringing it to the forefront. But some Brits feel that the balance has tipped too far, making it hard to discuss anything else without being drawn back into discussions of anxiety, stress, and self-care.
