John’s death on Days of our Lives — and the death of his beloved portrayer, Drake Hogestyn — are very, very sad. But John’s funeral and wake were oh, so very, very good. And one of the best parts was that they didn’t skimp on the flashbacks. We didn’t just see John and Marlena’s greatest moments, but also relived scenes from their fellow 1980s super-couples, including Steve and Kayla, Kim and Shane, and Jack and Jennifer. And the biggest thrill — after the Reagan-era hair and fashion, of course — was the reminder that soap operas used to have an outside!
Let the Sun Shine In
When John and Bo (Peter Reckell) tussled on a cliff, that was a real cliff! When Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) and Jack (Matthew Ashford) went into the water, that was real water. And Bo and Hope (Kristian Alfonso) sailed away on a real boat! Soaps didn’t go outside all the time, but they did it just often enough to make it feel both special and realistic. We knew something big was about to go down when we saw blue sky instead of a missing ceiling, and green grass instead of nothing between the knees. And we wouldn’t risk missing a day of the excitement.
Pale Imitation
In the last few years before it was cancelled, Guiding Light tried to do exclusively on-location shooting. The goal was to make it look more like a reality show. But they didn’t choose an exotic locale like the beaches of Florida or the ancient architecture of Greece. They went to New Jersey instead. The actors and technical team gave it their best shot, and we always support soaps trying something new. But it didn’t work. Not the way DAYS’ back in the day location shoots did. Any chance we might get to see something like them again?
Ever caught yourself saying, “Those were the good old days”? You’re not alone. No matter the generation, people seem to believe that the past was simpler, purer, and somehow better than the present. But what makes us cling to these golden memories? Why does yesterday feel so magical compared to today? Buckle up, friend, because we’re about to dive headfirst into nostalgia’s cozy embrace.
The Magic of Nostalgia: More Than Just Warm Feelings
What Exactly Is Nostalgia?
Nostalgia isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a powerful emotion deeply tied to our memories. It’s like flipping through an old photo album in your mind. But why do we cherish these moments so much?
Why Do We Romanticize the Past?
Humans naturally filter out the bad and spotlight the good. It’s like our brain wears rose-colored glasses when looking backwards. Stress? Forgotten. Arguments? Gone. What remains are laughter, warmth, and the scent of grandma’s kitchen.
The ‘Good Old Days’ Across Generations
Boomers: The Golden Age of Rock and Roll
For Baby Boomers, the good old days meant drive-in movies, Elvis, and jukeboxes blasting rock ‘n’ roll. Simpler times with no smartphones to interrupt Sunday dinners.
Gen X: Cassette Tapes and Skateboards
Generation X thinks of mixtapes, Saturday morning cartoons, and hanging at the arcade with friends until sunset. No social media drama. Just pure fun.
Millennials: Tamagotchis and Blockbuster Nights
Millennials glow up when talking about dial-up internet, Pokémon cards, and renting VHS tapes from Blockbuster. Back when “Netflix and chill” meant actually going outside.
Gen Z: Is It Too Soon to Have ‘Good Old Days’?
Even Gen Z is starting to feel nostalgic…for the early 2010s! Vine videos, early YouTube, and when TikTok wasn’t a thing yet.
What Made the Good Old Days…Good?
1. Simplicity Was the Secret Ingredient
Life wasn’t as fast-paced. People talked face-to-face. Phones were wired to walls and arguments ended without Twitter threads.
2. Real Social Connections
Remember when you’d knock on a friend’s door instead of texting? Playdates, sleepovers, and spontaneous fun—not “likes” and “shares.”
3. Slower Technology, Better Moments
Ironically, having less tech made life feel fuller. No constant pings. No overwhelming FOMO. Just the moment and you.
4. Affordable Fun
A soda cost a dime. Movies were cheap. Fun didn’t need a subscription or the latest gadget.
Are the ‘Good Old Days’ Just a Myth?
Selective Memory at Work
Science says we’re programmed to remember the good and forget the rest. Were the good old days perfect? Probably not. But in our hearts, they always will be.
Each Generation Has Its Own ‘Good Old Days’
Your grandpa swears the ’50s were the best. You might feel the same about the ’90s. Truth is, every era feels special when it’s gone.
Why the Present Could Be Tomorrow’s ‘Good Old Days’
1. We’re Living Memories Right Now
One day, you’ll miss the trends, the memes, the chaos of today. Crazy thought, huh?
2. The Cycle of Nostalgia Never Ends
History shows that we always glamorize the past. Kids in 2050 will probably miss TikTok dances. (Hard to believe, but true.)
The Downside of Longing for the Past
1. Getting Stuck in Yesterday
It’s fine to reminisce, but don’t get lost there. The present has joys you might miss while daydreaming about your old high school hoodie.
2. The Danger of “It Was All Better Then” Thinking
Not everything in the past was great. Remember dial-up internet speeds? Oof.
How to Embrace Nostalgia Without Losing the Present
1. Create ‘Good Old Days’ Moments Today
Start new traditions. Make time for friends. Put the phone down and go for a walk. These will be the memories you smile at in 10 years.
2. Blend Old and New Joys
Who says you can’t enjoy vinyl records and Spotify? Old-school charm with modern convenience. Best of both worlds.
When Were the ‘Real’ Good Old Days? Experts Weigh In
Some researchers say the ‘good old days’ are personal, shaped by your childhood. What felt magical to you might seem boring to someone else. It’s all in the eye—and heart—of the beholder.
Pop Culture’s Role in Keeping the Past Alive
TV Shows and Movies That Feed Nostalgia
Think of “Stranger Things” and its 1980s vibe. Or all those ’90s reboots. Hollywood knows we love the past and keeps bringing it back.
Music: The Soundtrack of Our Memories
One song can teleport you to a summer long gone. Nostalgic music? It’s time travel for your soul.
Why the ‘Good Old Days’ Will Always Matter
They remind us of who we were. They keep us grounded. And they help us appreciate the now. Without the past, today would feel hollow.
Conclusion: The Past Is Beautiful—But So Is Today
Sure, those were the good old days. But guess what? These are good days too—you just don’t realize it yet. The trick is to enjoy the moment while it’s happening…so your future self will have new “good old days” to smile about.
