The ’90s were a unique time where everyday habits and social norms were very different from what you’d expect today. Looking back, some of those familiar routines might seem a bit strange or even shocking now. Culture, technology, and attitudes have shifted a lot, changing the way we live and interact.
You’ll find that many things that were once totally normal in the ’90s would raise eyebrows or even cause discomfort in today’s world. This article will walk you through seven common habits from that era that highlight just how much has changed.
Smoking indoors and around others
Back in the ’90s, smoking inside was just part of daily life. You could light up in restaurants, offices, or even school bathrooms without much fuss. It wasn’t unusual to be in a room thick with cigarette smoke.
Today, things have changed a lot. Smoking indoors is mostly banned in public places. Lighting up inside now would definitely get you some serious side-eye or even a fine.
Smoking around kids or others wasn’t seen as a big deal then. But now, you’re expected to keep smoke away from others to protect their health.
Using payphones as a common way to call
Back in the ’90s, if you needed to make a call while out, you’d head straight to the nearest payphone. Carrying coins or a calling card was a must since these public phones didn’t accept bills or cards like today’s devices.
You might remember rushing to call your parents for a ride, hoping you had enough change. Without cell phones, payphones were essential for staying connected on the go.
Today, payphones are rare and often gone, replaced by mobile phones you carry in your pocket. Seeing someone use a payphone now would definitely turn some heads.
Wearing frosted tips in hairstyles
If you rocked frosted tips back in the ’90s, you probably remember how popular they were. Bleaching just the ends of your hair was the go-to look for many guys inspired by boy bands and pop stars.
Today, frosted tips might feel a bit outdated or even cringe-worthy to some. But if you want to give them a modern twist, you can keep the contrast more natural and less extreme. It’s all about making the style work for you without looking like you time-traveled from the ’90s.
Rocking thin, highly arched eyebrows
If you were around in the ’90s, you know thin, highly arched eyebrows ruled the beauty scene. You probably remember celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Gwen Stefani rocking that look effortlessly.
Today, those brows are making a comeback, but with a modern twist. You don’t have to overpluck to achieve the style; there are safer ways to shape your brows without damaging them.
Getting the right thin, arched look means using a brow pencil and careful shaping to keep things natural. It’s all about balance—you want the ’90s vibe without going overboard.
Carrying pagers to stay connected
Back in the ’90s, if you wanted to be reachable, you probably carried a pager. These small devices beeped or flashed to let you know someone wanted to get in touch.
You’d then find a phone to call back, since pagers didn’t let you talk directly. It was all about staying connected before cellphones blew up.
Today, carrying a pager would seem pretty strange. But back then, it was a common way to make sure you didn’t miss important messages.
Letting kids play outside unsupervised for hours
Back in the ’90s, you could head outside and play until the streetlights came on without a single adult watching over you. It was normal to roam the neighborhood for hours with friends, exploring and making up your own games.
Today, letting kids out alone like that would definitely raise some eyebrows. Parents are way more cautious now, and you’d probably hear about “safety concerns” or even get questioned by authorities.
But in those days, it was all about freedom and trust. You learned how to handle situations on your own, which feels pretty different from the constant supervision kids often have today.
Dressing up in questionable Halloween costumes
Back in the ’90s, some Halloween costumes were just taken at face value, no questions asked. You might have rocked a costume that today would raise serious eyebrows for cultural insensitivity or stereotypes.
You could easily find costumes that caricatured entire groups without much thought about the impact. Nowadays, many people are more aware, and such costumes are often called out for being offensive.
If you want to dress up, it’s a good idea to think twice about how your choice might come across. Respectful creativity can still make your costume stand out without causing harm.