“‘Back in My Day’ Syndrome – How to Make Stories Empower, Not Annoy” - video Dailymotion

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“‘Back in My Day’ Syndrome – How to Make Stories Empower, Not Annoy”

Transcript

00:00Ever find yourself starting a story with, back in my day, only to see your grandkids' eyes glaze over?

00:06We've all been there. You want to share something meaningful from your past,

00:11but instead of sparking interest, you end up hitting an invisible wall.

00:15What if telling your stories could actually bring you closer, instead of pushing them further away?

00:21Let's be honest, most people under 30 hear those words and instantly brace for a lecture.

00:26In their minds, back in my day, is the opening line for a comparison,

00:32a reminder of how things used to be harder or better or simply different.

00:36But if you look a little deeper, the real intention behind these stories is often to share wisdom,

00:42to pass on a piece of your life experience.

00:45The disconnect happens because, while you're offering meaning,

00:48they might be hearing judgment or even a hint of superiority.

00:52Why is that?

00:52Psychology tells us that younger generations are especially sensitive to feeling compared.

00:59They crave being seen and understood for who they are now,

01:02not measured against a standard from the past.

01:05When stories sound like lectures, it can feel like their own experiences are being minimized.

01:11They tune out, not because they don't care, but because they want to feel respected, not schooled.

01:17But storytelling doesn't have to build barriers.

01:20In fact, it can be a bridge, a way to connect across the years and share what really matters.

01:26Think about it.

01:27Stories have always been humanity's way of passing down lessons, values, and emotions.

01:32The key is to focus on what you learned and how you felt,

01:36rather than just recounting hardships or offering instructions,

01:40instead of saying, you don't know how lucky you are.

01:42Try sharing a story that highlights a moment of growth or insight.

01:47For example, there was a time when I had to make do with very little,

01:51and it taught me gratitude I still carry today.

01:55Suddenly, you're not delivering a sermon.

01:58You're opening a window into your world, offering a gift rather than a guilt trip.

02:02So, how do you turn your stories into something they'll actually want to hear?

02:07Here are three practical tips.

02:09First, lead with emotion, not instruction.

02:11Start by sharing how you felt.

02:14Maybe you were scared, proud, or even completely lost.

02:19When you reveal vulnerability, it draws people in.

02:22The facts of the story matter less than the feelings behind them.

02:25Second, invite their perspective.

02:28After sharing your experience, ask,

02:30what would you have done in that situation?

02:32This transforms your story from a solo performance into a conversation.

02:41It shows you value their opinion and want to hear their take,

02:45making them an active participant rather than a passive listener.

02:48Third, use humor or an element of surprise.

02:52Self-deprecating jokes or unexpected twists can make your stories memorable and relatable.

02:58Try something like,

03:00We didn't have Wi-Fi back then.

03:02We had to talk to each other.

03:03Pretty scary, right?

03:05Suddenly, you're sharing a laugh, not just a lesson.

03:09Your past holds incredible power,

03:11but it shines brightest when shared with heart, not hierarchy.

03:14When you tell stories that invite connection,

03:18instead of comparison,

03:19you open the door to understanding, empathy, and even joy.

03:23So, next time you feel tempted to start a story with,

03:27Back in my day,

03:28remember, your memories are treasures, not measuring sticks.

03:33Share them with love,

03:34listen as much as you talk,

03:36and watch as your stories become something your family actually looks forward to.

03:40What's one story from your past that never fails to make people smile or think?

03:44Reflect on it,

03:46and consider how you might share it in a way that empowers and connects.

03:50Because the best stories aren't just told,

03:52they're lived together.

“‘Back in My Day’ Syndrome – How to Make Stories Empower, Not Annoy”

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