9 Reasons '90s Kids Are Better At Life

Children of the '90s are a special breed of human. They've been through many struggles that kiddos of the modern technology age couldn't even comprehend — you know, like dial-up Internet connections. But you know what? They survived, and they prevailed. I don't think I'm over-exaggerating when I say '90s kids are better at life than everyone else.

The '90s were such a magical time. Style-wise, it was a decade equally divided between the darkness of grunge, and the blinding pop of neon. Disney princesses were getting stronger and more independent than ever before. Parents were blissfully ignorant to the dangers of letting their kids guzzle soda by the liter. Gun discussions were limited to debates over which Super Soaker had the most power. And our only goal in love was to find someone like Tom Hanks to catfish us to the screechy soundtrack of a dial-up tone.

The world is a very different place now. As '90s kids are still trying to figure out how to adapt (what exactly is the point of Snapchat?), they're still somehow ahead of the curve. They are not to be underestimated or written off. They are not to be messed with. They are to be respected and praised. Here is why '90s kids will always win at life.

1. They grew up ensconced in neon

Trying to pull off neon clothing as an adult is no easy feat. But since '90s kids wore every loud color in the neon rainbow every day of their early lives, they know how to rock this part of the color spectrum best. They know how to tone it down, how to dress it up, and how to rock it like a BOSS.

2. They remember life without the Internet

They clearly recall ordering new clothes over the phone, holding a catalog, and reading off a long item number. They went to the store when they needed groceries, school supplies, new books, and other miscellaneous items. And they found out movie showtimes from the newspaper for crying out loud.

3. They met people without the use of apps or social media

Kids of the '90s didn't introduce themselves to new people until it happened in person. They built new relationships through letters and phone calls, or they just spent time together in person.

4. They were the first to learn a lot about nothing

Seinfeld was and always will be famous for being a show about nothing. So many current shows are created and written using that same general idea, with Seinfeld as the comedic inspiration. But '90s kids have the pleasure of knowing they were exposed to this legendary joke style first.

5. They are stellar spellers

Kids from the '90s actually had to write things down by hand, sans Spellcheck or Autocorrect, and have the correct spelling of all words locked in their memories.

6. They understand patience

Packages and mail took longer to arrive. Even once the Internet arrived, it took at least 10 minutes to actually connect and become available to use. Movies sometimes needed to be rewound before they could be watched. It was a simpler time.

7. They had spectacular real-life and fictional style icons

Elaine Benes, Clarissa Darling, Kelly Kapowski, Rachel Green, Carrie Bradshaw, Moesha, the Spice Girls, Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson — the list goes on and on and on.

8. They had an exceptional decade of music

Pop was everything sweet. Grunge was the sanctuary of sadness, anger, and angst. Rock was heavy and intense. R&B was supremely sexy, and made '90s kids understand their own desires. The music of the '90s was the guide to life, and the justification of every emotion felt and expressed.

9. They suffered through countless inconveniences, and came out better people

Fees for not rewinding a video? Waiting an hour for your photos to be developed? Having to watch a TV show live, or not at all? The horror! These struggles still haunt '90s kids — but they are better people because of them.

Image: Nickelodeon; Caitlin Burns/Tumblr, Giphy (8)