18 Standards South Dakotans Followed in the ’80s That Are Disappearing

Back in the 1980s, South Dakotans held the door open. They said “excuse me” when they bumped into someone. And if they used the last roll of toilet paper, they replaced it.

These weren’t acts of heroism. They were just part of being decent.

You used to be able to count on these habits showing up just about anywhere. Now, it’s a toss-up whether anyone does them, and much of this uncertainty comes from the younger generation changing their norms.

You Respected Adults, Even If You Didn’t Agree

In the 1980s, kids and teens were taught to show respect to adults—teachers, neighbors, coaches, and store clerks. Arguing or interrupting wasn’t tolerated.

It didn’t matter if you liked the adult. You still addressed them politely and followed basic manners.

Today, many young people talk to adults like peers, and respect often feels optional. Some of that change is cultural, but if you ask us, much of it is a breakdown in basic courtesy.

Back then, showing respect wasn’t just for elders. It was for everyone.

You Didn’t Talk Loudly on the Phone in Public

Public phone conversations in the 1980s were short and quiet, usually in a phone booth or on a corded landline. You didn’t share your life story with strangers at the grocery store.

People kept their voices low and didn’t treat the world like their personal conference room.

Now, loudspeaker phone calls and video chats in public are everywhere. No one seems to care who’s listening.

Keeping conversations private used to be a sign of respect.

You Cleaned Up After Yourself in Public Places

In the 1980s, leaving a mess behind at a restaurant, movie theater, or park was considered rude. People picked up their trash without needing a reminder.

If you left crumbs all over a table or popcorn on the floor, someone would probably give you a look or say something out loud.

Today, it’s common to see food wrappers left on tables and carts abandoned in parking spots. Cleaning up has become optional instead of expected.

Back then, you didn’t leave your mess for someone else.

You Waited Your Turn Without Complaining

Lines were part of life. Whether you were at the bank, the grocery store, or waiting for a water fountain, you stood patiently.

Cutting in line was a quick way to get called out, and no one applauded impatience.

Now, people try to cut, crowd, or find ways around waiting entirely. Complaining while in line is almost expected.

But in the 1980s, waiting your turn was a sign of basic decency, not weakness.

You Knocked Before Entering a Room

Whether it was a bedroom, an office, or even a bathroom door that looked slightly ajar, people knew to knock first.

It wasn’t about formality. It was about giving others privacy and space.

Today, knocking is often replaced with barging in or yelling from the hallway. Privacy feels less respected than ever.

In the past, knocking was a simple habit that showed awareness and kindness.

You Looked People in the Eye When Talking

In the 1980s, making eye contact was a basic part of communication. It showed that you were listening, honest, and paying attention.

Whether you were speaking to a teacher, a cashier, or your parent, looking someone in the eye was expected.

Now, eye contact often competes with screens. Many conversations happen while someone scrolls, types, or barely looks up.

Back then, failing to make eye contact would be considered rude or suspicious.

You Didn’t Swear in Public

Swearing in front of strangers, especially around children or older adults, was considered highly inappropriate in the 1980s.

People watched their language in stores, at the dinner table, and in everyday conversations. If someone slipped up, they usually apologized.

Today, foul language shows up in casual talk, social media, and even family-friendly places. It’s often used without a second thought.

Back then, there was a clear line between casual talk and what should be kept private.

You Didn’t Show Up Empty-Handed

If someone invited you over in the 1980s, you brought something. Maybe it was a pie, a bottle of soda, or just a bag of chips.

It didn’t need to be fancy. The gesture mattered more than the gift.

Today, many guests arrive with nothing at all and expect to be served. Hostess gifts have become less common, even during holidays.

In the past, bringing something was a small way to say thank you and show respect.

You Called Before Dropping By

Surprise visits used to be acceptable, but even in the 1980s, it was polite to call first. People valued their time and liked to be prepared.

Dropping by unannounced was saved for close friends or family, and even then, it came with a quick phone call.

Now, many rely on texts or just show up. Some people even see it as rude to expect notice.

Back then, checking in first was part of being thoughtful, not formal.

You Said “Please” and “Thank You” Without Being Prompted

Basic manners were drilled into kids from a young age. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” wasn’t optional. It was part of everyday speech.

These phrases showed appreciation, even for small things like passing the salt or opening a door.

Today, you might hear them less often, even in customer service situations or between friends.

In the 1980s, if you forgot your manners, someone would remind you on the spot.

You Didn’t Interrupt Someone While They Were Talking

Back in the 1980s, if someone was speaking, you waited your turn. Interrupting wasn’t just considered bad manners; it was something you got corrected for immediately.

Whether at the dinner table, in a classroom, or during a conversation with adults, you listened first and spoke second.

Today, interruptions are everywhere, from casual chats to TV interviews. People often talk over each other without thinking twice.

In the past, waiting for your turn to speak showed patience and self-control.

You Returned Borrowed Items Without Being Asked

If you borrowed a book, tool, or dish in the 1980s, you returned it. And you usually did it in a reasonable amount of time, without needing reminders.

Neighbors lent things freely because people were expected to bring them back.

Today, borrowed items often disappear or get returned weeks later, if they come back at all. Some people even forget they borrowed something in the first place.

In the 1980s, keeping track of what wasn’t yours was a basic rule of being respectful.

You Took Your Hat Off Indoors

Wearing a hat indoors, especially at the table, was considered poor manners. Boys and men were expected to remove their hats in restaurants, classrooms, and churches.

Even kids knew this rule, and adults would gently remind them if they forgot.

Today, that tradition is fading. Hats are worn almost everywhere, and few people say anything about it.

But in the 1980s, taking off your hat showed respect for the space and the people in it.

You Let Someone With Fewer Items Go Ahead in Line

At the grocery store, if someone had just a few items and you had a full cart, you let them go ahead. It was a small gesture, but it was common practice.

People appreciated the kindness, and many returned the favor when roles were reversed.

Now, that kind of courtesy is hit or miss. Some folks still do it, but many don’t even look behind them.

In earlier decades, small moments of generosity were part of everyday life.

You Wrote Thank-You Notes for Gifts

Whether it was for a birthday present or a kind favor, writing a thank-you note was expected. Kids were taught to do it early, and adults led by example.

The note didn’t have to be long. It just had to show that you cared enough to acknowledge someone’s effort.

Today, thank-you notes are rare. A quick text or emoji might be the only response.

But in the 1980s, taking the time to say thank you on paper actually meant something.

You Didn’t Call After 9 P.M. Unless It Was Urgent

In the 1980s, making a phone call after 9 p.m. was considered disruptive. People assumed others were winding down or already asleep.

If the phone rang late, it usually meant an emergency.

Today, with smartphones and messaging apps, communication happens at all hours. But in the past, there was a clear understanding that late-night calls were off-limits unless something was truly important.

Respecting someone’s time meant knowing when not to call.

You Let Someone Merge in Traffic Without a Fight

Driving in the 1980s came with a different kind of road etiquette. If someone needed to merge, you slowed down a bit and waved them in. It was normal to show a little courtesy behind the wheel.

There were no horns or hand gestures. Just a polite nod and maybe a wave of thanks.

Now, driving often feels more aggressive. Merging has turned into a competition instead of a moment of cooperation.

Back then, people didn’t treat patience on the road as optional. It was simply expected.

You Didn’t Blame Others for Your Mistakes

Taking responsibility was a basic life lesson. If you messed up, you owned it. Whether it was a broken lamp, a missed assignment, or a hurtful comment, the rule was simple: tell the truth and deal with the consequences.

Excuses didn’t fly, and blaming others was frowned upon.