TODAY: Texting, sexting, ghosting, catfishing, emoji, meme, tweet, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Kardashians, Cardi-B, Justin Bieber, Drake, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Netflix & chill, DTF, WTF, LMAO, HBU, GOAT, The Avengers, Onward, The Invisible Man (remake) Sonic the Hedgehog, Call of Duty, Red Dead Redemption, Fall Out, Minecraft, Fortnite.

1980’s: Notes, party-lines, rotary phone, busy signal, roller skating, cruising, dances, MTV, SNL, Walkman, boom box, cursive, LYLAS, jocks, preps, goat ropers, hoods, punks, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, KISS, Metallica, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, AH-HA, Depeche Mode, Die Hard, Terminator, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, 16 Candles, Star Wars, Pac Man, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Galaxians.

There is a huge difference on how teenagers develop relationships today as they did back in the 80’s. Boy or girl had to deal with the awkward confrontations in person and couldn’t hide behind a screen. Rejection wasn’t publicized, except when the gossip hit the hallways, and it certainly wasn’t posted for all of the world to watch. The music was original and has proven timeless, as remakes and original artists are frequently being used on today’s social media.

A Gen-X teen has collected all of her high school notes and created a living diary of her relationships during those times. Most of the notes are in cursive, as you were definitely judged by your handwriting by your peers. High school was a platform to develop relationships, make your mark and grades were almost a second thought. Gen-X kids had the freedom to get into trouble, and the creativity on how to avoid getting caught.

Dated and undated, the notes cover the gambit of crushes, fights, misunderstandings, family feuds and Friday night planning. A peak into the world of a Gen-X teen.