What's with some women not liking being called "ma'am"? (father, husband)
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I do it on a subconscious level, I don't really think about it, but I was raised to address women I don't know as either "miss" or "ma'am." If I almost bump into a lady when I'm walking I'll say "Oh, pardon me ma'am." If I'm finishing a phone call with a woman I'll usually end it with "Thank you ma'am, have a good day." I've never gotten a bad reaction from it (I don't think so at least) but I've read a few anecdotes from men about getting bad looks or even being told not to address someone as "ma'am."
So what's the BFD? Why do some take offense to being shown respect?
I do it on a subconscious level, I don't really think about it, but I was raised to address women I don't know as either "miss" or "ma'am." If I almost bump into a lady when I'm walking I'll say "Oh, pardon me ma'am." If I'm finishing a phone call with a woman I'll usually end it with "Thank you ma'am, have a good day." I've never gotten a bad reaction from it (I don't think so at least) but I've read a few anecdotes from men about getting bad looks or even being told not to address someone as "ma'am."
So what's the BFD? Why do some take offense to being shown respect?
Must be a regional thing - and you are in yankee territory
It's an age thing, in my opinion. I once called a younger woman in France "Madame" ("Mademoiselle would have been correct) and she let me know in no uncertain terms this was NOT right. I was dutifully ashamed).
Men are generally called "sir" from the time they are teenagers in service-type situations, so perhaps you don't understand the sensitivities involved? There should be an all-purpose, ageless term but there isn't. I've been in the service industry for a while and try to avoid using "Ma'am" or "Miss" when possible. It requires more attention but it's possible.
It's an age thing, in my opinion. I once called a younger woman in France "Madame" ("Mademoiselle would have been correct) and she let me know in no uncertain terms this was NOT right. I was dutifully ashamed).
Men are generally called "sir" from the time they are teenagers in service-type situations, so perhaps you don't understand the sensitivities involved? There should be an all-purpose, ageless term but there isn't. I've been in the service industry for a while and try to avoid using "Ma'am" or "Miss" when possible. It requires more attention but it's possible.
I think thats it. When I was young I didnt really like being called Ma'am by young people. Now I call everyone Ma'am or Sir and dont think anything of it and it dosent bother me to be called Ma'am. I have also known men that didnt like being called Sir or Mr. They would say Sir or Mr.______ is my father.
To some women, especially single women, when men start calling them ma'am, it signals that they're not longer viewed as young, but that they've transitioned into some nebulous category that sounds slightly dowdy and old.
To some women, especially single women, when men start calling them ma'am, it signals that they're not longer viewed as young, but that they've transitioned into some nebulous category that sounds slightly dowdy and old.
in a nutshell^^^
married or not, you only get called ma'am if you are older. not many woman likes to be reminded that they are seen as older.
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