Does it take you by surprise...

I always say "ma'am" or "sir" regardless of age. It just seems polite.

Originally Posted by stormy

I guess this is for the gals here...being called ma'am?

I was at the pharmacy today and the pharmacist called me "Ma'am"!
My first thought was "Good God, when did I get old?!"

Today wasn't the first time I've been called ma'am but it always takes me by surprise.

I never minded being called "miss" because it's sweet and innocent sounding...but ma'am...

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I don't know whether the gap here is one of gender, age, calendar or geography. Perhaps all the above.

When I was a child here in Texas I was expected by my parents to address any female presumptively an adult as "Ma'am." This was expected of a gentleman by those of both sexes. Failure to do so resulted in immediate punishment by way of a switch I had to fetch from the garden, and it darn well had to be of appropriate size and strength.

I expected the same of my three sons, and still do, and the youngest just turned 40 years of age. I expect the same of my grandsons. They would not have to fetch the switch, but none of them wish to see my disappointment should they fail to extend this courtesy to our ladies.

This had, and has, nothing to do with the age of an adult female -- it is only a gesture of the respect we of my generation were expected to extend to our ladies. Nor does it have anything to do with the relationship of the lady to whom we owe this gesture of respect -- my dear wife Ann is still addressed by me as "Ma'am."

Cheerio, ladies,

Jim

In my language equivalents of courtesies like "ma'am" have been generally restricted to the 60+ crowd for decades now. If somebody called me ma'am in English, I'd definately feel awkward (I'm 25). Well, people usually think I'm under 18, the last time I was denied service at a licquor store (age limit is 18 here) because I had forgotten my ID home was a month ago.

I agree this is a polite show of respect, yet, it really will make you feel old, won't it! If I'm being addressed in this manner by someone I know I'll have contact again, I just cheerfully say "Please call me Stephanie"! In the homes where I work with families, the children call me Ms. Stephanie. I really don't feel that grown up!

Originally Posted by katl8e

I merely regard it as a common courtesy. Beats the heck out of "Hey, you!"

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lol so true

I don't know if it just in Louisiana (southwest) but I was raised to say yes ma'am to anyone I was sure was older than me. Even if it was only 5 years!

Me being 23 I would still say yes ma'am to lets say a 30 year old.
I guess some people just use it as more of a "respect" thing than a "its an old person" thing.

I make my girls say yes ma'am to everyone. Except their friends of course.
I just love hearing my girls say "yes or no ma'am" after being asked a question or anytime its necesary.

Now that I live here in Missouri alot of adults are suprised when they hear us say it. Sometimes I feel out of place.

Originally Posted by katl8e

I merely regard it as a common courtesy. Beats the heck out of "Hey, you!"

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I also don't mind!

Thanks for your comments and opinions everyone!

I do think using ma'am is a courtesy, and I don't hate it...just reminds me I am getting older!

My family is Southern AND my dad spent 26 years in the Marine Corps. "Sir" and "Ma'am" were were probably the most-heard words in our house (after "please" and "thank you").

During my Tombstone years, the reenactors that I worked with adopted the Old West practice of addressing women as "Miss Firstname". In character, I was also known as MADAM Cindy. My son picked this up and always addressed adult women as "Miss Firstname".

Originally Posted by white cat lover

That happened to me, too! It's like, how many guys do you see in maroon courduroys & a maroon beaded shirt!?!? I dressed very feminine the day I got my hair cut so I wouldn't be mistaken for a guy! As far as ma'am. I get called 'young lady' more foten than ma'am. I have gotten to wher I don't respond to yougn lady, but wait until they say ma'am. After all, I am almost 19.

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Well, let's not jmp to conclusions!

I actually quite frequently wear blatantly pink and purple clothes, and have been known to sport a maroon shirt.

Originally Posted by joecool

Well, let's not jmp to conclusions!

I actually quite frequently wear blatantly pink and purple clothes, and have been known to sport a maroon shirt.

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Originally Posted by Sammie5

Heh. I'd prefer ma'am.

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Don't get me wrong, if i called the psycho lunch attendant lady dudette i would be... well some terrible punishment. And my teachers i call by their names, like ms. something. i But meant for fairly young people that are not offended. I am good at not making adults angry unless i do it on purpose. Which is rare, lol, but when i do it is quite funny.

Originally Posted by menagerie mama

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I am not like other guys! Even if you met me, you probably would not understand me!

Seriously though, my favorite shirt is this SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) t shirt that is very deep purple.

I got called sir once a few years ago. I went and asked my Mum what it meant in that context - because very clearly I was female.

I don't like madame, but I think Sir and M'am are very appropriate