7+ Reasons Why Gen X Miss The 1980’s and 1990's

Every Neighborhood Had a Mrs. Donatelli

Mrs. Donatelli was considered the “hot” mom in the neighborhood. And she also loved a bit of gossip over Entenmann’s coffee cake and Lipton’s tea. Married to a much older man, she was desperate for friends. The other women avoided her, labeling her “husband stealer” and “hussy”. She would always wear fluorescent colors and big teased hair. She topped off her look with hoop earrings and bright lipstick. She really was a character.

The other moms avoided her but my mom felt bad for her. She realized even with all the fancy clothes and heavy makeup, Mrs. Donatelli just needed a friend. I think every neighborhood back then had a Mrs. Donatelli. She filled the gap by becoming the neighborhood’s #1 gossip. Mrs. Donatelli would spill the beans to my mom when she would come over a few times a week to have coffee. She seemed to know everything about everyone in the neighborhood. And had an opinion.

It was hysterical to listen in on their conversations. About whose husband was cheating and who was going bankrupt. Mrs. Donatelli knew everything. Her daughter Vicky, my best friend, was also a gossip and knew everything about the other kids at school.

Back then, this was a very normal way for people in the neighborhood to get the…