Retiredom

14 Habits That Speak Louder Than Words and Expose Your True Personality

April 11, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These seemingly harmless habits uncover hidden truths about your personality that even you might not realize.

You may not give them much thought, but the little things you do without even thinking—the way you answer a text, organize your dishes, or grab your coffee—are tiny windows into who you are deep down. We often assume our personality is shaped by the big stuff, like career choices or relationships, but the real clues hide in the everyday patterns we barely notice.

Some of these habits are amusing. Others are oddly revealing. But all of them serve as mini psychological tells—hints about how you move through life, make decisions, and relate to people. So, if you’ve ever been curious about the hidden messages your daily behavior might be sending, here’s your chance to find out what your small habits are really saying about the real you.

Boomers, Please Stop Doing These 12 Things That Annoy Everyone

April 11, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You might be sabotaging your relationships and making everyone secretly resent you.

Without realizing it, your habits and casual comments might be irritating the very people you care about most. It’s not about being a bad person—it’s about how certain behaviors, especially ones that feel normal or harmless to you, can feel outdated, condescending, or frustrating to younger folks who think and live differently. And when those behaviors pile up over time, they can start to chip away at the connection.

The truth is, these generational gaps are real. But they’re also bridgeable. With just a little self-awareness and a willingness to adapt, you can repair old rifts, strengthen current bonds, and show the people around you that you’re still evolving. Here are twelve common habits that might be secretly pushing people away—and what to do instead.

Are You Addicted to Being Busy? 11 Red Flags You’re Missing Life’s Real Purpose

April 11, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You’re unknowingly sabotaging your future happiness, and the clock is ticking against you.

You may feel like you’re doing all the right things—checking off tasks, staying busy, keeping up appearances—but what if that very sense of productivity is quietly holding you hostage? We’re trained to admire hustle, to measure our worth in how much we accomplish, and to fear stillness like it’s a sign of failure. But that mindset can quietly erode your joy, purpose, and even your relationships.

The truth is, a jam-packed calendar doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling life. In fact, it’s often a smokescreen that hides what we’re afraid to confront—discontent, misalignment, or a life lived on autopilot. If you constantly feel tired, disconnected, or vaguely dissatisfied, these red flags may explain why. Here are 11 warning signs that your busyness is actually blocking you from building the life you truly want.

The Affair Epidemic Among Older Men—12 Reasons They’re Turning Away from Their Wives

April 11, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Discover the surprising motivations pulling older men out of long-term marriages and into secret affairs.

You might think a marriage that’s lasted twenty or thirty years is unshakable. After all, what could possibly threaten something that’s weathered so much time? But for a growing number of older men, even long-term marriages aren’t immune to cracks beneath the surface. Many wives are blindsided to discover their husband has strayed. It’s not always about lust. Sometimes it’s about loneliness, resentment, fear of aging, or the quiet desperation of unmet needs.

The reasons are more layered and emotional than most people expect. While no excuse justifies betrayal, understanding what drives these men to risk everything offers clarity—and maybe even a chance to repair the damage before it’s too late. Here’s a closer look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.

14 Unshakable Reasons You Should Show More Respect to Older Generations

April 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Their contributions and life lessons continue to shape the world in ways most people take for granted.

You probably don’t stop often enough to consider just how much older adults have done to shape the life you’re living. Their sacrifices, stories, and quiet strength have laid the foundation for much of what younger generations now take for granted. Yet they’re frequently ignored, misunderstood, or—worse—dismissed as irrelevant.

It’s time to flip that script. Older adults are not only a living bridge to our shared past but also a deep well of wisdom, resilience, and value. If you think they’re just “slowing down,” you’re missing the point entirely. Here’s why it’s time to show them the admiration and respect they’ve more than earned.

Don’t Be a Lonely Senior—Adopt These 13 Skills To Make New Friends

April 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Don’t allow loneliness to create isolation and even depression.

Loneliness can creep in as you get older, but it doesn’t have to be your story. Building new friendships in your senior years can feel challenging, but it’s absolutely possible—and even rewarding!

You’ve gained wisdom, experience, and insight over the years, so now it’s time to use those strengths to forge new connections. Here are 13 simple skills to create meaningful friendships and avoid the isolation many seniors experience.

Say Goodbye to These 11 Iconic American Traditions Before They Vanish Forever

April 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These timeless traditions are disappearing faster than anyone expected, and the clock is ticking to save them.

You may not have realized it, but some of the comforting traditions you grew up with are slipping away faster than anyone could have predicted. These weren’t just casual habits—they were the fabric of everyday life, shaping how we connected with one another and found meaning in the small things.

From family rituals to old-school joys that defined childhood, these parts of our cultural DNA are slowly vanishing. And once they’re gone, we might never get them back. If you’re someone who feels the tug of nostalgia or believes in preserving the little things that make life feel grounded, this list is your reminder to hold tight—and maybe even bring a few of these traditions back.

11 U.S. States That Could Seriously Be the First to Secede From the Union

April 10, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Some states aren’t just complaining—they’re quietly setting the stage to go their own way.

Talk of secession might sound like a wild throwback to high school history class, but it’s not just old news. In today’s divided political climate, a surprising number of states are floating the idea of breaking off from the United States altogether. Some movements are fueled by deep ideological rifts, others by financial frustration, cultural identity, or the sense that Washington just doesn’t get them anymore.

Most of these talks are symbolic—or at least start that way—but they reflect real tension. These states aren’t just making noise. In some cases, there are actual bills, organizations, and growing public support pushing the idea forward. While the chance of any state successfully seceding remains slim, these 11 are the ones to watch if things ever start getting serious. Each has its own reasons, but the shared undercurrent is clear: the union is feeling shakier than it has in decades.

Boomers and Gen X Had These 13 Things in Their Homes—Younger Generations Are Stumped

April 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These quirky household staples will have today’s digital natives raising their eyebrows.

Back in the day, homes were filled with all sorts of oddities that made perfect sense at the time. Boomers and Gen Xers didn’t think twice about avocado-colored appliances or giant TVs that looked like credenzas. These things were more than décor—they were part of daily life. And for the generations who lived through it, the memories are often filled with nostalgia and a healthy dose of secondhand embarrassment.

If you’re under 40, some of these items will sound like something out of a time capsule—or a retro museum. But for Boomers and Gen Xers, they were just… normal. This list isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a peek into a world where “wireless” meant your dog, not your phone, and the only Alexa in the house was your cousin’s middle name.

15 Daily Chores Boomers Were Expected to Do with No Ifs, Ands, or Buts

April 17, 2025April 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They didn’t dare argue, and those chores shaped the responsible adults they became.

They didn’t get a choice, and they didn’t expect one. Chores were part of life—non-negotiable, no excuses, and definitely no whining.

If you were raised as a Boomer, chances are your childhood included a regular rotation of daily chores that would make many of today’s kids gasp in disbelief. These weren’t tasks you could bargain your way out of. You were expected to do them, do them well, and do them without a bad attitude. There were no allowances for “having a rough day” or “not feeling like it.”

Parents back then believed chores were character-building, and honestly, they weren’t wrong. These responsibilities laid the foundation for resilience, work ethic, and basic competence. They didn’t just keep the household running—they trained a generation to be reliable, respectful, and capable. Below are fifteen daily tasks Boomers tackled as kids or teens without hesitation—and you might find yourself nodding in recognition (or wincing at the memory) as we walk through each one.

People Who Don’t Tolerate Nonsense from Anyone Have These 14 Things in Common

April 10, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They see through lies, call out nonsense without hesitation, and refuse to let toxic people drain their energy.

They see through lies, call out nonsense without hesitation, and refuse to let toxic people drain their energy. You know those people who just don’t tolerate baloney from anyone? The ones who can spot a fake smile a mile away and who never hesitate to call out shady behavior? They’re the kind of people who don’t get sucked into drama, manipulation, or emotional games. It’s like they have an invisible shield that blocks all the nonsense while letting them focus on what actually matters. Honestly, it’s a vibe we could all use a little more of.

So, what makes them different? How do they stay so calm, confident, and clear-headed while everyone else is getting tangled up in toxic situations? The answer isn’t magic—it’s a powerful mix of traits that help them live on their own terms. These folks are grounded, aware, and unapologetically authentic. And if you’re curious about how they do it, keep reading—you might find yourself picking up a few of their badass habits.

12 Politically Incorrect Etiquette Rules People Secretly Wish Would Return

April 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Society may have moved on, but good manners never go out of style.

Remember when people actually had manners? These days, it feels like common courtesy is on life support, and a lot of the old-school etiquette rules that kept society running smoothly have vanished. Sure, some were outdated, but others? People secretly miss them—whether they admit it or not.

There was a time when respect, grace, and a little self-restraint weren’t optional. Maybe it’s time to bring some of those back. Here are the ones people secretly wish would make a comeback.

Why Your Outgoing Spouse is Suddenly Introverted—11 Painful Shifts That Change Them

April 25, 2025April 9, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Even the most outgoing spouse can retreat into silence after life delivers a few hard blows.

You might remember when your spouse was the life of the party—the one who made friends easily, cracked jokes at family gatherings, and loved being out in the world. But lately, something has changed. They’ve pulled back, avoided social outings, and seem less like the person you’ve always known. It’s easy to assume they’re just getting older or that their personality is shifting naturally, but often, a deeper reason is at play.

Life has a way of wearing people down, and certain experiences can leave even the most social person feeling disconnected. Whether it’s grief, health struggles, or a loss of purpose, these challenges can take a toll on their confidence, energy, and outlook. If you’ve noticed your spouse withdrawing, it’s not necessarily about you—it might be about the weight of what they’ve been carrying.

Here are some tough experiences that can change a senior spouse, even if they were once the most outgoing person in the room.

These States Will Still Tax Social Security Benefits in 2025

April 25, 2025April 9, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Be aware of the states where your Social Security will be taxed.

For many retirees, Social Security is a critical source of income, making state taxes on these benefits an important consideration when choosing where to live. While most states don’t tax Social Security, a handful still do, cutting into the financial security of their retirees.

As tax laws continue to evolve, understanding where your benefits might be subject to state taxation can help you make informed decisions about retirement planning.

Here are nine states that will still tax Social Security benefits in 2025.