Feral and Free: Why GenXers Are the Coolest Friends You’ll Ever Have

Growing up as a member of Generation X—those born roughly between 1965 and 1980—meant embracing a wild, untamed childhood that shaped us into a uniquely resilient and creative cohort. We were feral children in the best sense, left to roam free in a world without constant parental supervision or the omnipresent glow of screens. Our playgrounds were not just patches of asphalt or manicured lawns but proving grounds where we invented our own games, set our own rules, and learned to navigate the messy, unspoken codes of social order. If you dared to break those rules—whether by cheating at kickball or hogging the swings—disputes weren’t settled by running to an adult or a digital mediator. No, we hashed it out right there in the dirt, sometimes with scraped knees or a swift shove, until the matter was resolved. And then, in a ritual as old as childhood itself, we’d dust ourselves off, split a neon-colored, ultra-processed sugary treat—think Fun Dip or a Ring Pop—and emerge not just patched up, but closer friends for it.

This rugged, hands-on approach to life gave GenX a certain edge, a coolness that’s hard to replicate in today’s more structured, tech-saturated world. We didn’t have apps to entertain us or algorithms to curate our friendships. We had to figure it all out ourselves, and that DIY spirit fostered a blend of independence and camaraderie that still defines us. Our games weren’t pre-packaged; they were born from imagination and necessity—elaborate scavenger hunts, makeshift forts, or endless rounds of tag with ever-evolving twists. Mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and bonds were forged in the chaos. The ultra-processed snacks we shared afterward—laden with artificial flavors and enough sugar to power a small city—weren’t just treats; they were peace offerings, symbols of truce and loyalty in a world we ruled on our own terms.

Contrast that with today, where playgrounds are padded, schedules are packed with adult-led activities, and disagreements often escalate online rather than resolve in person. GenXers thrived in an analog era that demanded creativity and grit, and it’s why we carry a certain swagger—earned through skinned elbows and sticky fingers—that younger generations might envy. We weren’t coddled; we were challenged, and we rose to it. That’s not to say every moment was ideal—latchkey kids and questionable parenting trends left their marks—but those experiences gave us a raw, unfiltered coolness that shines through in our humor, our music, and our no-nonsense approach to life.

So, here’s my advice: make friends with a GenXer. We’ve got stories that’ll make you laugh till you cry, a playlist that still rocks, and a knack for cutting through the noise with a perspective honed by a world that didn’t hold our hands. We’re the ones who’ll tell you to ditch the screen, grab a cheap snack, and figure it out as you go—because that’s how we became who we are. Cool isn’t just a vibe for us; it’s a survival skill, and we’ve got plenty to share.