Since I was born in the 1990s, I didn't get to experience the '80s. From what I've heard, it was pretty rad. While Cyndi Lauper and Madonna are icons of the era, that's not particularly why I love the '80s. I love the trends that weren't so popular. Here are five reasons I wish I lived in the '80s. (Happy Throwback Thursday, by the way.)

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Working Out Looked Like a Blast

If this were still cool (not sure if it was ever really cool), I'd be shaking it all over the place in a neon green thong leotard with pink leg warmers. They seem so happy to get in shape, that it actually makes me want to do some aerobics, and that's rare. Better than twerking!

Lingo

These words are super-cheesy, but so much fun to say. Nowadays, our lingo consists of, ratchet, SMH, LOL, and HMU. Notice these are all Internet slang? We need more words in our lives. I think I'll start by adding "tubular" to my vocabulary. Fashion

When I think of fashion, I don't think of the generic '80s looks with the excessive neons, religious jewelry, and teased hair. I think of my mom's style (pictured) -- classy, yet totally retro. She never wore "mom jeans" or leg warmers. She thought those were so mainstream.

Awkwardly Awesome Portraits

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Rad. These family photos capture the '80s I wish I'd experienced. Although everyone makes fun of them, you have to admit they seem so happy. Just look at the joy in their faces. Today, family photos are made to look like a sweet, loving, and happy family. I think I'd rather look like this rad family. I mean, they are number one.

John Hughes

Okay, he was totally popular. But I couldn't write about the '80s without giving John Hughes some love. I think watching his movies gave me a false hope for finding love, but I don't care. I've also realized that I should save dancing in a library for The Breakfast Club. His movies always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. They're magical and iconic. *Cue cheesy dance montage set to popular music.*

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