Anna1111 wrote:
A question about being addressed as "Ma'am" (or, if you're a gentleman, "Sir")
I grew up in a world in which the word "Ma'am" was used for people that you didn't know well, and with whom you were being VERY formal. For instance, a police officer, the principal of your school, the person who waited on you at McDonalds, a military superior.
When I was 11, I transferred to a Fundamentalist Baptist school, in which the words Ma'am and Sir were de rigeur - many students even addressed their parents as "Ma'am" and "Sir." This seemed shocking to me, and distant rather than warm and loving. I didn't mind addressing teachers that way - but for parents, it just seemed WRONG.
Fast forward to now. I don't LIKE to be addressed as Ma'am by younger friends (say, 20-somethings). If you're waiting on me at McDonalds, yes - but at Church coffee hour no.
OTOH, I have a friend from the deep South who is offended if young people don't address her as Ma'am - even in her own family. I guess that's her cultural background.
Soooo - what are YOUR feelings on this cultural tradition?
I feel about the same as you. *I* even say ma'am or sir when i am waiting on people at the bank as i am their "servant". I was raised in CA where i never remember hearing it or being told to address anyone in that manner. Throughout the years i have been exposed to the various ways but i don't really care if someone addresses me that way or not. There seems to be a proper time to say it - as when you are showing submission, i guess. ???
OTOH, *I* don't care if someone addresses me as "honey", either!