Ways BFF relationships have changed from the ’70s versus today

There’s something magical about looking back at the seventies and eighties—a feeling like stepping into a sunlit memory. Life moved slower, yet richer. Days stretched long, friendships ran deep, and ordinary moments carried weight because we were fully present. Kids rode bikes until the sun dipped behind the trees, coming home only when a parent called from the porch. The world felt vast, yet safe. Childhood and young adulthood unfolded at a steady, reassuring pace, free from the constant ping of glowing screens.

We didn’t have smartphones buzzing in our pockets, yet we stayed connected in meaningful ways. Neighbors talked across fences. Friends dropped by unannounced. Families gathered around televisions for shared shows, around dinner tables for stories and laughter. Life had simplicity, and that simplicity shaped how we connected. Bonds—romantic or platonic—were intentional. People showed up, listened face-to-face, and nurtured connections through time spent together. You learned someone’s habits not from posts but from moments shared. Connection had texture, patience, and depth.

Even communication carried a different rhythm. Staying in touch meant showing up or picking up a landline. Every call had purpose. Long-distance calls cost money, so conversations were carefully chosen. Letters bridged gaps, ink on paper holding warmth, memories, and feelings that could be reread and treasured.

Fast forward to today: communication is instant. Messages travel around the globe in seconds. Convenience is unmatched, but something is lost. Tone gets lost in texts, emotions misread, misunderstandings multiplied. Technology has made staying in touch easier, but it has stripped away the patience and depth that made connection feel meaningful.

Dating illustrates the shift even more clearly. Back in the seventies, expressing interest took courage. You approached someone face-to-face at school, work, or community events. Sharing a phone number was a milestone—a sign of trust. Relationships grew slowly, built on conversation and shared experiences. Today, dating often begins with a swipe on an app. While access to potential partners is wider than ever, trust and emotional depth are harder to cultivate. Curated profiles replace conversation; quick judgments replace shared time.

Looking back reminds us that progress brings convenience, but it can distance us from the patience, presence, and authenticity that once defined everyday life. The ’70s and ’80s weren’t perfect—but they taught us the power of showing up, slowing down, and connecting deeply.

Want to feel that nostalgia again? Share this with friends and spark a conversation about the way life used to be.