THE BAD OLD DAYS WITH A.J. JACOBS

6 Ways the Past Stank—Literally

The nostrils of our ancestors were constantly assaulted by unimaginable odors. Here are six reasons that you should be happy you and your nose in modern times.

In the past, courting often involved things like being accompanied by chaperones and talking through tubes.

7 Ways Dating in the Past Was Terrible

Online dating and swiping on Tinder have nothing on romance in the past, which was often humiliating, dangerous, and exhausting.

6 Ways Christmases Past Used to be Terrible

It wasn’t always the most wonderful time of the year. In centuries past, Christmas was often violent, scary, and disgusting. So for all those Grinches who are skeptical of today’s Yuletide customs, be thankful you weren’t alive centuries ago.

If you ever had to endure the Presidential Fitness Test, you know that kids today have it easy.

8 Ways Gym Class Used to Be So Much Worse

Physical education in centuries past was sadistic, sexist, and just plain bizarre. Be grateful you never had to experience these P.E. nightmares.

Shutterstock/Nana_Studio (stack of photos); Hulton Archive/Getty Images (parade)

4 Ways Amusement Parks of the Past Were Not So Amusing

Today's amusement parks have long lines, loud rides, and obnoxious patrons—but amusement parks of yore were far worse. They were bloody, sexist, racist, and basically a hellish mess.

If you were a woman who wanted to go for a swim 200 years ago, you'd first have to hop in a bathing machine.

4 Reasons a Day at the Beach in Times Past Was No Day at the Beach

Yes, beach trips today mean sand everywhere. But beachgoers in the past had to endure much worse than just sand.