Closing in Generation Gap

Do you often have arguments with your family members, especially the older ones? Do you think that they don’t understand you or you don’t understand them? If yes, then the reason is the difference in mindsets between an older person and a younger person which is called age gap or generation gap. Generation gap occurs when two people with a decade or more of an age gap between them have very different opinions regarding a specific topic.

The world is changing every second. We are all developing and evolving by every hour passing. Fifty years ago people had no idea what a mobile phone or smartphone or internet was.

If technology can change so much with time, imagine how time would affect one’s mentality. Ethics, values, etiquettes are all dynamic characteristics which develop over time and change. That is why our values, ethics, mindsets don’t usually tally with the ones older than us and we feel like they do not understand us. This leads to arguments and fights, we even say very mean and inappropriate things in the heat of the moment.

Their opinions might not agree with us or might not be in our favour but we need to try to understand that they say what they say from a standpoint of their generation. Things were surely different back in their days and that’s the reason there is a difference in thinking. Generation gap can not be avoided. It is a natural shift in mindsets due to age and it will continue to exist as long as the human race does but instead of reacting to it in a negative way and ruining relationships here are some healthy ways you can try to close or reduce the generation gap. We also need to remember that we can only try and being aggressive can make matters worse. 

1. Try to talk to them- If you believe that your opinion about something is right and how they feel about the same thing is wrong, try to make them see it, explain it to to them why and how they are wrong and give a better solution. Always try to support your answers with genuine points and facts. 
2. Listen to them- Old people usually speak from experience and beliefs so there is a possibility that they might be right and you might be wrong. So try to understand their point of view and even if you do not agree to them do not misbehave or get angry. Just listen and try to understand, they have more experience than us and might see things which you fail to. 
3. Silent treatment- Sometimes people do not agree or even try to understand even if you try really hard to make them understand. In such cases its better to just ignore them and let everything calm down around you. Some people do not understand anything when you try to make them aware  about a topic. In such times giving the silent treatment is best for you and your relationship with that person. 

Generation gap is a natural phenomenon but do not let it spoil your relationships with your family. Try the above three tips mentioned, the next time you have a dispute.