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

NakedLunchTime · March 2013

I personally don't care for it, but I suppose I candeal with it :grumble: haha

DontStopB_Leakin · March 2013

Yea, I totally hate it when someone goes out of their way to be respectful to me.

I'd much rather be called a stupid b.

Wenzday7777 · March 2013

i was always told in the service they are forced to say it but what it really means is ***** LOL and i hate it unless i have a whip in my hand that is ( just kidding )

originalkazila · March 2013

I put on the military uniform everyday for work - it comes with the territory.

treehopper1987 · March 2013

It really gets my goat when women complain about being called ma'am because they perceive it as something that ages them. It's a sign of respect by someone who was raised correctly--it's not about you. Ugh, it drives me nuts.

(I'm 29 and have no problem being called ma'am. I'm a woman, not a girl making 'miss' rather moot.)

^ this exactly. My mother is southern and very traditional. It's just how I was raised. It doesn't phase me one bit to be addressed as Ma'am. In fact, it puts a smile on my face when someone (especially a young person) has the good sense to use it.

Agreed. I admit the first few times I heard it, it kind of bothered me. Then I realized it's more about respect, which I'll take it, because let's face it, respect is sadly becoming a thing of the past.

Juliejustsaying · March 2013

I prefer "dark mistress" ...which is what I make my kids call me...

k8blujay2 · March 2013

I'm from the UK near Liverpool so no one EVER uses the word ma'am.. I'd prefer to be called ma'am, rather than some of the words used here. :glasses:

Come to Texas or really anywhere in the South and you would be called ma'am... it's primarily a southern thing. Though military brats from all regions may have it drilled in their heads as well.

smantha32 · March 2013

I used to hate it. I guess I'm used to it now.

geekyjock76 · March 2013

I SO feel you! I'm 36 but get mistaken for a teenager when I am freshly shaved so I get called boy all the time.

gaylelynnbell · March 2013

I live in Texas and work in retail. Every customer is Sir or Ma'am when I'm at work even though I am older than most of them. It's a sign of respect and I expect the same when I'm on the other side of the counter. It's a term of respect, not age.

silvergurl518 · March 2013

me!!! although i appreciate that it comes out of respect, it makes me feel old! so on some occasions, i'm called "ma'am." on other occassions, people think i'm in high school. ha.

KittieLea · March 2013

I live in Texas, I've heard ma'am all my life so it doesn't phase me.

CakeFit21 · March 2013

I happen to love it. I always have. I'm not old, I don't look old, so why would I take it as a sign of age?

It's polite, and sometimes it's freaking hot.

AuddAlise · March 2013

I hate being called Mister even more. It happens from the back more than I'd like.

imanole · March 2013

I use ma'am to almost everyone, even if they are in their teens/20's. Most find that appealing when it is said in the right way from the right person. It isn't a term of age, it is a term of respect. Well, I either use that or b*tch. Lol.

ms_leanne · March 2013

This is a funny thing. In the UK some people say Sir or Madam. I worked several customer services jobs and I never called them sir or madam as I would feel ridiculous saying it. Don't get me wrong I was still polite and courteous and never got any complaints.

I wonder how I would deal with the ma'am thing if I was in the states.

kennethmgreen · March 2013

I think the sentiment of this thread is based around an unrealistic expectation that "others should just know how to treat me." And I think that's an unnecessary (but far too common) set up for resentment and wadding of undergarments.

Mainebikerchick · March 2013

I know it's supposed to be a sign of respect but I gotta say it does make me feel kinda old...

Bikini27 · March 2013

I used to have an issue with it, and then looked into the "age frame" for being called miss instead of ma'am.

Basically, if you're over 18.....Sorry ladies!!

Plus, working on an AF Base? You have no choice but to get over it. It's everywhere.

Scott2ndGradeTeacher · March 2013

I am southern and ex-military, so...

It's not a derogatory term. It's a term of respect.

x_tina324 · March 2013

To all who hate it: Please forgive this southern girl. I say it to everyone, even my peers. I would have been smacked as a child if I did not address someone as sir or mam. Old habits die hard.

mommy1126 · March 2013

I have to say, I never even thought of this offending anyone. I am Southern, and was raised to always say ma'am and sir. To me it is about respect. Even when I address my sons, or my nieces or nephews, if I ask them to do something it is, "Could you ______________, please ma'am." or "Could you ____________________, please sir". I feel weird if I don't say it.

redheaddee · March 2013

Obviously those who are offended do not live in the South. Yes and no ma'am is taught to children as soon as they can talk . My 4 year old says yes ma'am. It is a sign of simple respect and has nada to do with your age.

Julettashane · March 2013

ma'am doesn't bother me... its 'hun' I can't stand... especially from like a 16 yr old cashier

i dont mind ma'ma either....omgsh tell me about it i hate being called hun.....and women ya i work at a bank and this lady comes in all the time and she says "hey woman" to me everytime..........seriously i dont think so!!! im a bank teller not your best friend i dont know you so dont call me woman

cnelson1974 · March 2013

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:

^^ What she said. Many people are just raised to say "ma'am" and "sir" along with "please" and "thank you". It's just a sign of respect. I accept that I'm old. Being offended that I'm older then someone is like being offended because I have brown eyes or that I'm 5'6".

Lift_This_ · March 2013

that and being called sir.

BAMFMeredith · March 2013

Eh I live in the south, I'm used to it. Even guys I work with who are probably my age or older, but are in a lower ranking professional role than I am call me ma'am. Just kind of the every day vernacular here!

MrsR0SE · March 2013

Doesn't happen much in the UK - it's better than "madam" though! More likely to be called "dear" or "bach" here in Wales which is fine - as someone said earlier people are trying to be polite - there are so many worse things to be called!