Five Things We Miss (But Probably Shouldn’t)

There’s something oddly comforting about the past—especially the not-so-glamorous bits. Whether it’s the screech of a dial-up modem or the plastic crunch of a VHS case, these quirks once defined the rhythm of our lives. Now, they mostly live in the dusty corners of memory, and honestly? That might be for the best. Still, we can’t help but miss them—just a little bit. Here are five things we miss (but probably shouldn’t):

1. The Thrill of the Answering Machine

There was a time when coming home meant checking a blinking red light to see if someone cared. The answering machine had its own suspense: who called? Was it a job offer, a crush, or a long-distance aunt rambling for eight minutes?

Yes, most messages were just “Call me back.” Yes, people often forgot to say their number. And yes, your outgoing message with the awkward pauses and background radio was painfully bad. But still—there was magic in the mystery.

Why we miss it: That little red light meant someone tried to reach you.

Why we shouldn’t: Voicemail still exists. So does text. And honestly, fewer people talking at us uninvited isn’t all bad.

2. Disposable Cameras (and the Waiting Game)

Remember snapping through a roll of film on holiday, praying at least one photo wasn’t overexposed, underexposed, or featured someone blinking like a lizard mid-sneeze?

The anticipation of dropping it off at a chemist and waiting days to see what you actually captured—pure drama.

Why we miss it: Every photo felt like a tiny gamble. And the surprise element? Unbeatable.

Why we shouldn’t: Our phones now take 100x better photos. And no one misses paying to develop a blurry shot of your thumb.

3. In-Flight Meals in Tinfoil Trays

The clink of plastic cutlery. The suspiciously smooth “chicken or beef.” The unspoken gamble of peeling back the foil. It was… an experience.

Airline food had a bad reputation, sure—but it also meant you were going somewhere. Eating mashed potatoes at 30,000 feet just felt fancy, in a weird 1980s kind of way.

Why we miss it: It marked the start of an adventure. And let’s be honest, those tiny rolls were kinda great.

Why we shouldn’t: Let’s just say nobody really mourns powdered coffee and soggy green beans.

4. Physical Travel Guides

Nothing said “serious traveller” like a Lonely Planet thicker than a brick in your backpack. Highlighted, dog-eared, and full of notes, they were your lifeline to the world’s “must-see” spots and “hidden gems.”

But they were also heavy. Outdated by the time you arrived. And let’s not even get into the index-hunting stress of trying to find a decent hostel before sunset.

Why we miss it: They made travel feel like a proper quest.

Why we shouldn’t: Today, your phone does all of that—plus tells you when your bus is late.

5. Getting Properly, Totally Lost

There was an art to getting lost: reading a map upside down, asking for directions in broken local phrases, somehow ending up in a charming café no one else had found (at least in your mind).

Now, your phone politely reroutes you before you've even made a wrong turn.

Why we miss it: Serendipity! Adventure! The joy of unexpected discovery.

Why we shouldn’t: Let’s be honest—sometimes being lost meant a mild panic attack and a dead SIM card in the rain.