Let’s be real—every generation has its quirks. And while Gen Xers (born roughly between 1965 and 1980) are often praised for their independence, resilience, and no-nonsense attitude, there are some habits that just haven’t aged well.

If you’re a Gen Xer (or just someone who picked up these traits), it might be time for a little self-awareness check. These outdated behaviors could be making you a bit… exhausting to be around.

Here are 7 of them.

1. Constantly reminding people how tough things used to be

We get it. You grew up without smartphones, you had to rewind cassette tapes with a pencil, and nobody coddled your feelings. But if you keep bringing up how much harder life was “back then,” it can come off as dismissive.

People aren’t trying to say life is harder now—they’re just facing different challenges. Constantly comparing the present to the past makes it hard to connect and often shuts down real conversations.

Instead of: “When I was your age, we didn’t need therapy or safe spaces.”

Try: “Yeah, things were different. What’s been stressing you out lately?”

2. Thinking being emotionally closed off is a strength

Gen X was raised during a time when talking about emotions wasn’t really encouraged. The “suck it up and deal with it” mindset was everywhere.

But today, being emotionally available isn’t seen as weak—it’s seen as healthy.

If you shut down emotional conversations, make jokes when someone opens up, or never share what you’re really feeling, people might find it hard (or exhausting) to connect with you on a deeper level.

3. Over-relying on sarcasm or cynicism

Sarcasm was practically the Gen X love language. And sure, it can be funny. But too much of it, especially when used to dodge vulnerability or avoid serious topics, starts to wear people out.

Cynicism can come across as negativity in disguise. If every conversation with you feels like a sarcastic takedown or a jaded rant, people might eventually back away.

4. Treating technology like the enemy

If your go-to reaction to anything new is “Ugh, I don’t get TikTok,” or “Kids these days are always glued to their screens,” it’s time to take a breath.

Technology isn’t the problem—resistance to change is.

You don’t have to love every new app, but being overly critical or refusing to learn new things makes you seem stuck. And honestly, it can get tiring for people who just want to bring you along for the ride.

5. Believing hard work is all that matters

Gen X is big on the grind. Work hard, keep your head down, and you’ll succeed—that was the motto.

But times have changed. Working smarter, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health are part of the modern equation.

If you shame others for not “hustling harder” or assume that burnout is just part of the job, you might be stuck in a mindset that’s more harmful than helpful.

6. Clinging to rigid gender roles

This one might sting a little. Some Gen Xers grew up with very clear ideas of what men and women “should” do—men fix stuff, women nurture, etc.

But those lines have blurred. A lot.

If you still make jokes about “man flu,” expect women to handle all the emotional labor, or think stay-at-home dads are odd, you’re showing your age in a way that’s draining for others.

7. Assuming silence = strength

This old-school belief that the strong, silent type is the ideal? It’s fading.

Healthy relationships need communication. Whether it’s your partner, your kids, or your coworkers—bottling things up doesn’t make you noble, it makes things harder.

You might think you’re being mature by not “burdening” others with your feelings. But in reality, it just leads to distance, confusion, or even resentment.

Final thoughts

Being independent, gritty, and no-nonsense can be strengths—but only if they’re balanced with emotional intelligence, openness, and a willingness to grow.

The world is changing, fast. And the people around you are, too.

So if any of these behaviors hit a little close to home, that’s okay. Self-awareness is the first step—and adjusting just a little can make a big difference in how others experience you.

You don’t have to stop being Gen X. Just make sure you’re not being exhausting Gen X.