1. Curbside Pickup Became a Lifestyle, Not a Convenience
Before 2020, curbside pickup was something you might use if you were in a rush or had kids in the car. But during the pandemic, it became a full-blown expectation—like, why go in when they can bring it to you? Big chains like Target, Walmart, and even mom-and-pop restaurants adapted fast, and people got used to it. Now, some stores even prioritize curbside orders over walk-ins, and for many Americans, this contactless habit stuck hard, according to Jaclyn Peiser of The Washington Post.
What’s wild is that even as restrictions lifted, demand for curbside didn’t drop back to pre-pandemic levels. A 2022 survey by Raydiant found 47% of Americans still preferred curbside or in-store pickup over delivery. It’s partly about speed and partly about control—no one wants soggy fries from a third-party app. Retailers are leaning into it, turning parking lots into staging zones and upgrading app infrastructure to keep it smooth.
2. Talking to Strangers Got Even More Awkward
The isolation of 2020 did a number on our social skills, according to Shaunice Ajiwe of Philadelphia Magazine. By the time people returned to in-person interactions, it was like we all collectively forgot how to small talk. Conversations became stiffer, eye contact weirder, and public interaction in spaces like coffee shops or gyms took a hit. Even now, you’ll catch folks nervously tapping their phones instead of engaging face-to-face.
Studies have backed this up. A 2023 Pew survey noted a sharp uptick in reported social anxiety and a decline in casual socializing—especially among adults under 40. For many, the “lockdown” mindset morphed into a kind of long-term emotional distancing. And while digital communication filled some of the gap, it didn’t help with real-world confidence.
3. Working from Bed Became Weirdly Normal
In the early days of remote work, laptops migrated from desks to couches to—you guessed it—beds. By late 2020, surveys were showing that nearly 40% of remote workers admitted to working from bed at least occasionally. The trend never really reversed. Instead, companies just leaned into it by encouraging comfort and flexibility, even in hybrid models.
The issue? It’s taken a toll on posture, sleep hygiene, and work-life boundaries, according to Bryan Lufkin of the BBC. Even ergonomic experts have weighed in, warning against the long-term health consequences. But comfort won out. The idea of rolling out of bed into a Zoom call—with no commute and a blanket over your feet—remains bizarrely enduring.
4. Tipping Culture Got Complicated (and Kind of Guilt-Trippy)
Tipping was always a part of American culture, but after 2020, things got messy, according to Anna Palfy of The Huntington News. As more service jobs became high-risk during the pandemic, tipping started to feel like a moral obligation. People tipped more, and on more things—like takeout, curbside pickup, even counter service. But as inflation rose and digital kiosks kept nudging for 25%, the mood shifted.
Now, tipping prompts are everywhere—sometimes even when no real “service” was provided. The backlash started to build in 2023, with terms like “tipflation” and “guilt tipping” trending on social media. Consumers began pushing back, confused about when and how much was appropriate. Still, the digital screens asking for tips? They’re not going anywhere.
5. The Death of the Real Pants
Sweatpants and leggings ruled 2020—and somehow, they never left. Once Americans discovered they could wear pajamas to work and still be productive, the idea of jeans or business casual became laughable for many. Even when offices reopened, the dress code shifted toward “polished comfort,” with soft fabrics and stretchy waistbands leading the charge. Retailers like Lululemon and Athleta saw massive growth because of it.
By 2024, business suits were still in decline, and the idea of dressing up for most people felt like an event, not a norm. A report from McKinsey confirmed that formalwear sales were still down compared to pre-2020 levels. And while this shift started out of necessity, it’s now a conscious choice. America officially said goodbye to hard pants.
6. Grocery Shopping Turned Into a Strategic Strike
Remember the days of casually strolling through aisles and discovering a new jam or cereal brand? Yeah, not anymore. Since 2020, grocery shopping for many became a mission: get in, get out, avoid people. Even now, a surprising number of Americans still prefer to use shopping lists like military checklists and skip the browsing altogether.
This behavior has roots in those early-pandemic shortages—like toilet paper and flour—which made shopping feel tense and uncertain. According to the Food Industry Association, 37% of shoppers in 2023 reported doing more “planned” trips with fewer impulse buys. It’s a habit that stuck. Even the layout of stores has been adjusted to reflect this more tactical shopping approach.
7. Talking About Germs Became a Personality Trait
Once COVID made everyone hyper-aware of hygiene, Americans collectively became amateur epidemiologists. Suddenly, people knew about viral loads, aerosol transmission, and HEPA filters. Carrying hand sanitizer became second nature, and wiping down groceries—even briefly—was a mainstream thing. That level of hyper-vigilance didn’t just disappear overnight.
While science clarified that some practices (like deep cleaning surfaces) weren’t always necessary, the psychological shift lingered. A 2023 study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders showed that nearly 1 in 5 Americans reported “germ preoccupation” that persisted long after mandates ended. Germaphobia is now more socially acceptable, even trendy in some circles. And if you’ve ever been side-eyed for sneezing in public, you know this hasn’t gone away.
8. Zoom Fatigue Became a National Mood
The novelty of virtual happy hours, weddings, and team-building events wore off fast. By late 2021, most Americans were groaning at the idea of another Zoom anything. The phrase “Zoom fatigue” entered the mainstream, with Stanford researchers even studying it as a real psychological phenomenon. And while video calls haven’t vanished, people are way pickier about when and why they’re used.
Many remote workers now keep cameras off as a form of self-care, and some companies have adopted “no Zoom Fridays” or similar policies. It’s not just about tech overload—it’s also about the strange cognitive dissonance of staring at your own face while trying to connect with others. And let’s be real: most of us never want to play a virtual trivia night again. Ever.
9. Meal Kit Mania Stayed Strong
Meal kits like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and Home Chef boomed in 2020 when restaurants were closed and grocery shopping felt risky. But instead of fading out post-pandemic, the trend held strong. Americans found that these kits offered not just convenience, but a kind of culinary training-wheels for cooking at home. And with inflation making dining out more expensive, meal kits filled a practical niche.
As of 2023, the U.S. meal kit market was valued at over $10 billion and still growing. Even major grocers started offering their own branded versions. For some, it’s about time savings; for others, it’s a way to feel like a Food Network contestant without the mess. It’s a habit that proved stickier than sourdough starters.
10. Obsessed With Air Quality—Indoors and Out
Once indoor air quality entered the public conversation in 2020, people never looked at HVAC systems the same way again. Suddenly, CO₂ monitors, HEPA filters, and MERV-13 ratings became dinner table topics. Whether it was about avoiding viruses, wildfire smoke, or allergens, clean air became an obsession. And it’s led to a boom in the air purifier industry.
The Environmental Protection Agency reported a massive spike in consumer interest in indoor air quality from 2020 through 2023. Even schools and businesses began investing heavily in filtration upgrades. And now, checking the AQI (Air Quality Index) is as normal as checking the weather. Americans just don’t breathe without thinking about it anymore.
11. DIY Everything Hit New Highs
When you’re stuck at home for months, you learn how to cut your own hair, bake your own bread, and build your own furniture—even if it wobbles. The DIY boom of 2020 led to ongoing habits around self-sufficiency, with people taking pride in doing things from scratch. YouTube tutorials and TikTok hacks helped normalize everything from home repairs to homemade skincare.
Even though professional services are widely available again, many Americans have stuck with their DIY ways. According to a 2023 HomeAdvisor report, 41% of homeowners attempted at least one major project themselves that year. And while not all results were… professional, the sense of control and creativity proved addictive. DIY is no longer a backup plan—it’s a badge of pride.
12. Streaming Killed the Theater Star
Movie theaters took a massive hit during the pandemic, and although blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Barbie” made headlines, the industry never fully bounced back. Instead, Americans got very comfortable with high-quality content at home, often dropping the same $20 on a rental they’d spend at the box office. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max filled the gap—and then some.
By 2023, U.S. theater attendance was still below pre-pandemic levels, despite the return of major films. For many, the convenience of watching in pajamas with snacks from your own pantry was just too good to give up. Even studios started skipping theatrical releases for some films entirely. For better or worse, the home screen is now the main screen.
13. Saying “No” Became a Self-Care Strategy
Before 2020, many people felt obligated to say “yes” to social plans, extra work, or even family obligations. But the pandemic redefined priorities, and a lot of Americans realized they were overcommitted. Now, saying “no” is often seen not as rude—but as healthy. Boundaries became a form of self-care, and people began practicing them like never before.
Mental health advocates have celebrated this shift, and even workplaces have had to adjust. A 2023 American Psychological Association survey showed an uptick in people setting clearer work-life boundaries, especially among millennials and Gen Z. Ghosting plans or declining an invite now comes with less guilt. If anything, it’s often met with, “Yeah, I get it.”
