Life in the 1980s was pretty different. Some folks refer to it as a more innocent time when leggings and big shoulder pads were cool and kids played hockey out in the street instead of Candy Crush on their smartphones. Growing up in Connecticut in the 80s was a tumultuous time of crazy fashion and way too many pimples for my liking. This list will remind you just how different the 80s really were, by taking you on a time-traveling adventure of Connecticut in the 1980s that reminds you of what the decade included.

1. Twirling the cord of your rotary phone

If your parents were really cool, you never had to use a rotary dial. You probably had a Model 500, which looked exactly the same, except for the keys. Twirling the cord while you talked was an unavoidable habit, especially if you grew up in CT in the 80s chatting away with friends.

2. Attempting to solve what seemed like the impossible

You probably spent hours turning the gears of your Rubik's Cube, getting all excited when you got one side to be solid, only to mess it up a few turns later. If you managed to solve it, everyone thought you were a genius.

3. The arcade felt like heaven on Earth

Arnie's Arcade in Westport was the kind of place that made kids contemplate whether they ever wanted to go home again. One past patron recalls playing the US vs USSR hockey game for hours.

4. The murders of 15 women

If you were a young girl in the 80s, you were probably told to be careful. Eight of the deaths were the work of Michael Ross, who was imprisoned until his death in 2005. But the one responsible for the other seven deaths, known as the Connecticut River Valley Killer, was never caught. This was one of those 1980s Connecticut events that stuck with you for life.

5. You did the Thriller dance at parties

Actually, you probably did every Michael Jackson dance there was, from the lean to the moonwalk. But who could resist the iconic Thriller dance, especially during Halloween?

6. You (or your mom) made popcorn on the stove

Jiffy pop was the popcorn, and there are plenty of folks who think it always will be.

7. You watched the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster on TV

You may have even watched it in school, expecting to see a victorious launch. And like every other viewer, you were shocked to see an explosion.

8. Every Saturday morning was a combination of cartoons and Atari

This game system was so fun that people still seek it out. This was the era of the classics, and avid gamers know today's games are mostly based on the successes of the 80s.

9. There were some pretty fun nights at the roller rink

Roller rinks aren't as easy to find anymore, but if you grew up in the 80s you know that they were once hot spots. You've probably been to a number of birthday parties at the rink and you may have even tried to learn some tricks.

10. You were obsessed with all things Star Wars

"Luke, I am your father" was one of the greatest cinematic moments, and you saw it on the big screen. Cue the action figures, themed blankets, and R2D2 trash can. There was no end to the collection.

11. All you wanted for Christmas was a Teddy Ruxpin

Getting all the outfits and his caterpillar buddy would have made your entire year. And who can blame you? He was a talking bear!

12. Fred Rogers was your favorite neighbor

You couldn't stop yourself from humming his song while you did your homework, and you loved the puppet characters. Mr. Rogers is the reason that 1980s children were so charming.

13. The Great Flash Flood of 1982

Did this nostalgic list of things bring back memories of what living in Connecticut in the 1980s was like? Tell us what your favorite memories from the 1980s are!

Step even further back in time to look at what life was like in the 1940s in Connecticut.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/life-in-the-1940s-ct/