Gen X: What Dating in the ’80s Left Me

💚 Gen X women: Dating in the ’80s left me with more than breakups and memories. It gave me Van Halen, the Beastie Boys, R.E.M., George Winston, and another piece of the mixtape that became my life. In this outdoor walk-and-talk, I’m overthinking ’80s dating, music, old crushes, and what relationships can leave behind even when the people don’t stay. It begins in 1987, on the back of a motorcycle, heading off campus to see Fatal Attraction with my longtime crush. To me, he was Roxy Music’s Avalon and George Michael’s “Father Figure.” I was smitten. But he wasn’t the only boy who expanded my musical world. There was the bad boy who gave me Van Halen and Poison. The sweet Chicago guy introduced me to the Beastie Boys, R.E.M., the Smiths, and Violent Femmes. He also responded to the death of my little goldfish Howie with far more kindness than the supposedly sophisticated man I was trying to impress. Looking back, I realize that we often judge relationships by whether they lasted. But someone doesn’t have to remain in your life forever to leave you with something lasting. Music carries the people, places, joy, heartbreak, and questionable romantic decisions of our lives. I’m grateful for the men who added to my mixtape, even if I didn’t keep the men themselves. What song instantly takes you back to a person, place, or year? Tell me the song and the story in the comments. This walk is also part of my attempt to get outside, move more, and practice what I preach as I prepare for retirement and the next chapter. 🎁 Retirement Vibe Quiz: https://genxmissy.podia.com/what-s-yo... 📘 Reclaim Your Life Workbook: https://genxmissy.podia.com/reclaim-w... ✨ Redesign Roadmap (Early Access): Show interest here! https://genxmissy.podia.com/redesign-... 💬 1:1 Coaching: https://genxmissy.podia.com/coaching 🌐 Website: https://genxmissy.podia.com Together, we’re building a life we love. This is Gen X Missy. Until next time. 💚 #GenXWomen #80sMusic #1980s #Midlife #WalkAndTalk