There’s a certain charm in reminiscing about the days before the internet. If you’re like me and find yourself missing those simpler times, you’ll probably understand the value of certain things that others may not.

This is about appreciating those elements of life that have become somewhat obsolete in the face of technology. The things that seemed ordinary then, but now hold a nostalgic charm.

Here are 7 things that those of us who remember life before the internet tend to value, while others might just overlook.

1) The joy of snail mail

Before instant messaging and email, there was the humble postal system. And if like me, you miss the days before the internet, you probably treasure the delight of receiving a hand-written letter or postcard in your mailbox.

Remember the anticipation of waiting for a letter from a friend who lived miles away? The thrill of opening the envelope and reading their news on a piece of paper that they’d actually touched?

It’s a feeling that’s hard to replicate in today’s digital world. Sure, emails and texts are more convenient. But they lack the personal touch that comes with snail mail.

So, for those of us who remember the time before instant messaging, we appreciate the charm and personal touch of a hand-written letter, something that others may not understand.

2) The art of real conversation

If you ask me, nothing beats face-to-face conversations. I still remember the days when catching up with friends meant meeting up at our favorite local hangout, not a Zoom call.

Just the other day, I was reminiscing about a time before social media when you had to actually meet your friends to know what was going on in their lives. There was something truly special about sharing experiences and stories in person.

While video calls and online chats are convenient, they just can’t replace the human connection that comes with face-to-face interactions. The warmth of a shared laugh or the comfort of a sympathetic nod – these are the things we miss and value when we remember life before the internet.

3) The satisfaction of physical books

Books were once our primary source of knowledge and entertainment before the internet took over. The experience of flipping through the pages of a new book, breathing in that unique smell, is something that e-books simply can’t replicate.

Did you know that the smell of books is due to the breakdown of two chemical components in paper, lignin and cellulose? Over time, as these components break down, books release volatile organic compounds into the air, which we perceive as a pleasant, sweet smell.

For those who remember life before the internet, the tactile experience and distinctive aroma of a physical book are treasured sensations that can’t be replaced by digital reading.

4) The thrill of live performances

Before the internet, live performances were the primary source of entertainment. Be it a local band performing at a neighborhood bar, a play at the community theater, or a movie at the cinema, these experiences brought people together in a shared moment of enjoyment.

There’s an undeniable magic in watching a performance unfold right before your eyes. The collective gasps, laughter, and applause, the energy of the crowd – these are things that can’t be captured in a YouTube video or a Netflix series.

Those of us who remember life pre-internet, value these authentic experiences and the sense of community they foster. It’s something today’s generation might not fully comprehend amidst their world of on-demand entertainment.

5) The gift of patience

I remember the days when waiting was just a part of life. We waited for our favorite song to come on the radio, for the latest issue of our beloved magazine, for the evening news to catch up on world events.

In this era of instant gratification, waiting can feel like a nuisance. But looking back, I realize that waiting taught me patience. It made the payoff – whether it was the start of my favorite TV show or the arrival of a much-anticipated letter – so much more satisfying.

The value of patience is something that those who remember life before the internet cherish, while others might overlook in their quest for immediate results.

6) The simplicity of unrecorded moments

Before the era of smartphones and social media, not every moment was documented. We didn’t feel the need to capture every meal, every outing, or every funny expression. And there was something beautiful about just living in the moment without the pressure to record it.

It allowed us to fully experience and appreciate what was happening, rather than being preoccupied with how to best capture it for others to see.

For those of us who remember life before the internet, we value these unrecorded moments and the authenticity they represent. It’s a simplicity that’s hard to find in today’s digital age.

7) The importance of real connections

Before the internet, relationships were built and maintained through face-to-face interactions, long phone calls, and handwritten letters.

These tangible connections fostered a sense of closeness and intimacy that’s often missing in today’s world of online friendships and virtual interactions.

For those of us who remember life before the internet, we understand the value and depth of real-world connections, and the profound fulfillment that comes with them.