Anyone else hate to be called "ma'am"?

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  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,220 Member
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    I spent 5 years in the Marine Corps. If I don't call a girl ma'am or a guy sir then I am basically saying, "F*K you"
  • california_peach
    california_peach Posts: 1,858 Member
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    I'm from GA, but I live in California and I find it sad that I don't hear it more often. It's a key way to show respect.
  • dogacreek
    dogacreek Posts: 289 Member
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    I like Ma'am. I am not offended at all because it shows respect.

    Do not call me "Bro", "Cuzzo", "Dawg" or "Girl" in my classroom. And I have been called far worse by some foul mouthed teenagers.

    At the Doctor's office, do not call me "honey", "sweetpea" or "dear". The young nurses do and I go to a female doctor!! I said please write this on my chart in all all caps - do not call me anything other than "Mrs. Last Name" or "Ma'am."

    And finally, Mr. Waiter at my favorite restaurant do not call me "Love" every five seconds. I am not your love and it is not endearing.


    ^^^^This
  • woopidydoo
    woopidydoo Posts: 79 Member
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    I actually love to be called ma'am. It's very respectful, I think... and I'm only 22.
  • 6heatherb6
    6heatherb6 Posts: 469 Member
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    lol...I hate darling or dear or love...by shop keepers....they should be reserved for my hubby!!
  • TheBraveryLover
    TheBraveryLover Posts: 1,217 Member
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    Yes, and for the exact same reason as you.
  • TheBraveryLover
    TheBraveryLover Posts: 1,217 Member
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    I hate it unless the person has a southern accent. Then it's kind of hot. :laugh:

    True. LOL
  • KBienn
    KBienn Posts: 23 Member
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    I was born and raised in the south, My grandmother taught me the proper way to address a female was Ma'am, which I did as a child and I still do to this day. So if there is a 16 year old young lady working the register at Subway, I will address her as Ma'am. I don't think about it. I just do it.

    I travel all over the country now, and in many areas I go, I get weird looks (or maybe that is because of my southern accent, lol, I am not sure).

    I don't think I could train myself to not do it anymore. I mean no disrepect at all.



    I honestly feel so much better reading these responses - I figured everyone had a middle aged woman in mind when using "Ma'am" - Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
  • BriskisGrl
    BriskisGrl Posts: 461
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    I use Ma'am and Sir a lot. Even with my children. It's a sign of respect not age. :D Nor do I take offense when called it. Maybe it was from being raised in the military.
  • ready2tryagain42
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    I don't mind it too much. Since I work with the military I have gotten used to it.
  • tistal
    tistal Posts: 869 Member
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    When your from the south, I think you just kind of become numb to it! Does not bother me!
  • Dare2BThin
    Dare2BThin Posts: 211 Member
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    I work with preschoolers so Mrs. and Ma'am is all I here...even from the parents, so it doesnt bother me
  • LuckyLeprechaun
    LuckyLeprechaun Posts: 6,296 Member
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    I don't mind ma'am because I think it has alot to do with your culture (southerners like it, for example). I am not senstive about my age so I think that helps...you are always an "old fogie" to SOMEONE.

    What I HATE though is "honey" or "sweetie" or any other term of endearment. I know it is a cultural thing too but I just feel so...violated? when someone I don't know refers to me in a familiar, intimate way like that. :sick:

    DON'T CALL ME YOUR HONEY WOMAN!! :mad:

    I'm not your friend, buddy!

    I'm not your buddy, pal!

    Sorry...........Terrance and Phillip interjection................
  • Anthonydaman
    Anthonydaman Posts: 854 Member
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    We only say it to be polite...
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
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    No. It doesn't bother me at all.
  • sullykat
    sullykat Posts: 461 Member
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    I only heard it once... when I was 17. That is a little young.
  • vade43113
    vade43113 Posts: 836 Member
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    I feel you.
    I hate being called 'sir'
    I look about 21 but I am 31 years olf.
    Makes me feel like an old fogie.

    ^^^ this one, just replace 31 with 27...

    I also, hate being called Mr... My dad is Mr.... I am just James...
  • JennieAL
    JennieAL Posts: 1,726 Member
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    I'm not fond of it at all, and it's odd because I'm southern and people say it here all the time.

    It's only hot when my husband calls me ma'am :blushing:
  • hiker282
    hiker282 Posts: 983 Member
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    Now this is a nice juxtaposition....you get threads all the time talking about how rude people are, then you get another one complaining about how much politeness bothers you.

    I always laugh at people's negative reaction to politeness....that's all.
  • Mercenary1914
    Mercenary1914 Posts: 1,087 Member
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    I do not like to be called ma'am. I realize that it's intended to be respectful but it makes me feel like I'm middle aged (I'm only 28). I'd rather be called "Ms"

    Any ladies feel the same way?

    I am very very sorry you feel this way...I was raised by southern Army soilders...My mother and father were both in the army...and my dad was an Army drill sgt...Not only that I did 4 years in the Air Force....yes sir and yes ma'am is something I can't help but say....

    Have a good day Ms.