As a gen X, 47, part of the latch key generation. You just did things yourself and became resilient yourself. Parents always had a set of phone numbers to call if needed. You had access to a phone book but mostly you just called your friends and got a group together to do something with. Go fishing, Ride bikes, hangout, pickup baseball sandlot style, basketball, swimming, or Nintendo when it was hot out during the summer.

And we all taught each other stuff, some of us knew how to change a bike tire, some of us knew how to tie fishing knots and what baits to use. And we all had our way of getting some stuff for free or discounted stuff from a parents business, restraunt or arcade.

We all knew who’s dads had porno mags and where they were hidden. And on occasion we could sneak some cigarettes or beer.

There would be days during the summer I’d be out of the house before my parents and they wouldn’t see me well past sunset. Shit was just easier and the world less scary I guess.

As far as driving in cities we didn’t live in, I have no idea how my parents found shit. Lincoln, grand island I can find things easily without Gps. And any rural town with 300 miles of them. Omaha I can’t find shit without Gps

I struggle with my daughter because her mother is afraid of everything and that’s been passed to her. Some things I get, and I’m glad she has a phone with her, I’d like her to take more initiative in finding things to do herself and I push her and my wife to let her be more independent

Sounds like the maga movement got her, like it has already destroyed so many friendships and torn families apart.

I lost a few friends over politics but the one that surprised me the most was my best friend of over 35 years. 2 years ago it started, then he didn’t speak to me for a whole year then the night Trump won, I just messaged him our friendship is done.

I considered him my brother, we talked at least twice a week, and honestly he was more liberal than even I was, but sometime during COVID the manosphere got him. And the friend I knew was no more.

Now I really don’t have a social circle of male friends , just spend my time with my wife and daughter

Sorry for you. What you described, is my worst fear as a father for my daughter. She’s a only child and my biggest fear is her ending up alone if something happens to my wife and I.

Lol. Last Christmas my wife saw a ad for something dollar tree had on sale, the irony in That comment, like super cheat wrapping paper. I forget

I’ve never stepped foot in one. I went in with her, browsed it’s 4 aisles and it’s super discounted frozen aisles that I wouldn’t even feed my dog. And said we are going and never bring me to one of these stores again.

Like the empathy I felt for the poor souls that had to work let alone shop there because it’s the only thing they can find and or afford . I think I’d prefer being homeless.

LMAO I have never completed the story mode of grand theft auto 5. Last night I was doing a mission with Trevor and he says wtf is a lorry. your comment made me chuckle

Like a town population 500 or less not within a hour drive of a city.

I live in Nebraska grew up in a village of 30 people, went to school in a town of 2500. Live currently in a town of 300.

Edit - since I received some upvotes and I’m no longer at my daughter’s softball game. I wanted to add when I was in school 30 some years ago, my geography teacher told us Nebraska actually didn’t have towns due to population requirements that there wasn’t one that actually defined a town, it’s was technically city or village. Whether that’s still true or not I have no idea.