The 1990s may feel like they were just a heartbeat ago, yet it’s been over 15 years since we bid farewell to that vibrant decade. Where on Earth did that time go? For the past several years, I’ve been focused on raising kids and juggling a career in writing. But before that? It’s a blur of memories.
The ’90s hold a special place in my heart; I met my partner, a Navy sailor named Mark, in February 1990. After a whirlwind romance that spanned long distances, we tied the knot in October, and I relocated from sunny Florida to Virginia. What can I say? I recognize a good thing when it comes my way. We spent three years in Virginia (mostly me, while he was frequently deployed), then moved to Charleston, South Carolina. In January 2000, we shifted to Newport, Rhode Island. So, the ’90s were a mix of young love, long separations, and significant relocations. What do I miss the most about that enchanting decade?
1. AOL
The world truly opened up when the Internet became accessible to everyone. I still remember the thrill of hearing that iconic phrase: “You’ve got mail!” AOL was email for the everyday person—those of us who were not tech-savvy and just wanted a quick way to connect with friends. When I joined in 1992, AOL was subscription-based. It’s free now, and I still use my original email address, but I long for those early days of AOL, where every message felt special and spam was nearly nonexistent.
2. My First Cell Phone
I can’t quite recall if it was 1992 or 1993, but I finally got my hands on my very own cell phone after convincing Mark to get one earlier due to his hectic work hours and unreliable car. The freedom of a phone that could reach me anywhere felt almost magical! I had only experienced a cordless landline for a few years at that point, making this leap to a cell phone exhilarating. In today’s world of smartphones, I often miss the simplicity of those “dumb” phones that were purely for calls and lacked texting. Those were the good old days, complete with that familiar refrain: “Can you hear me now?”
3. ‘Friends’
While I adored many shows of the ’90s, Friends truly captured the essence of young adulthood in a way that resonated with me. The hilarious antics of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe struck a chord, and their camaraderie reminded me of my own friendships during that time. Though the series wrapped up in 2004, revisiting those episodes has brought back fond memories of my own youthful adventures.
4. Bill Clinton’s Presidency
I had an affinity for Bill Clinton. I admired Hillary Clinton, their daughter Chelsea, and their cat, Socks. I loved that Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” was his campaign anthem and that he played the saxophone. Clinton’s presidency felt like a gentler, more hopeful moment in our country’s history. Sure, there were scandals, but looking back, they seem trivial compared to today’s news cycle. I miss the optimism that came with his administration, which made me feel like only good things were possible.
5. Life Before 9/11
Much like the Clinton era, the time before September 11, 2001, felt more innocent. There was an air of naivety in believing that our homeland was untouched by terrorism. I long for the days when I felt secure just being at home or in my country. I miss that trusting, hopeful version of myself who was blissfully unaware of the tragedies that awaited us. And, of course, I’ll always miss the iconic New York skyline.
Despite my fondness for the ’90s, I recognize that it was a time of personal growth and self-discovery. It shaped me into the woman I am today. While I cherish those memories, I have no desire to return to that chapter of my life; there’s too much ahead to look forward to, including our journey into parenthood. For anyone exploring the ins and outs of starting a family, check out this blog post on couples’ fertility journeys. Also, for those curious about enhancing fertility, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, the ’90s were a vibrant mix of nostalgia, innocence, and personal milestones. While I look back fondly, I embrace the future with open arms.
Keyphrase: Nostalgia for the 1990s
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