What's with some women not liking being called "ma'am"? (member, meeting)
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I admit that's the only time it gives me pause. I figured it had to do with not wanting to feel "old" but darn it, I say just own your age! Maybe it's a cultural change... I feel like back in the day it was less regional and throughout the US you generally said "ma'am." Nowadays everyone tries to fight off the inevitable.
Regarding men not having age-specific salutations: around here I think it's more common for younger folks to address men as "sir" when they seem older than them. Personally I like it when someone calls me "sir." It makes me feel mature and whatnot, lol.
I think the most important thing is the tone and sincerity. I don't use "ma'am" sarcastically or as a substitute for "old maid." That may be why I've never really gotten a bad reaction from it.
AMEN, Sir!! When I was younger, I did think you should address women older than myself as Ma'am. But now, and b/c I've used it for so long, I just address any woman as Ma'am if that's the situation. And you're so right: tone & sincerity are important, as with anything really.
I know what you mean about others calling you Sir...I do feel that way about Ma'am. I've never taken it as an offense. And it's just so common, here in Texas, to have anyone call me that. I think if someone is trying to find the proper salutation to a stranger and out of respect, they say Ma'am or Sir, then the recipient should be flattered they were trying, even if it made them feel old. JMO...
It makes a woman feel "old". However, I've learnt in the southern states it is very common and I use it all the time to every woman, no matter their age. I think it's a sign of respect. Just like "yes, sir". So I don't take offense to it any longer. I'm from the north where they don't say that. LOL But here in the south ... it's another story!
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.
It's typically used for adult women over the age of 18. So women who are 18+ get called ma'am or maybe Miss. I've been called this since i was 17 years old. I've even had elderly women(70+) call me ma'am and I could be their granddaughter
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HurricaneDC
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?
If you address a woman as ma'am and she is put out by it, that probably means that she finds you attractive and doesn't consider herself too old to sleep with you.
It's typically used for adult women over the age of 18. So women who are 18+ get called ma'am or maybe Miss. I've been called this since i was 17 years old. I've even had elderly women(70+) call me ma'am and I could be their granddaughter
I've heard multiple times that in parts of the South it's common to call every woman ma'am, even a ten year old girl!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimboburnsy
If you address a woman as ma'am and she is put out by it, that probably means that she finds you attractive and doesn't consider herself too old to sleep with you.
Haha, guess if I'm ever looking for cougars in the Northeast I'll use "ma'am" as my test.
I've heard multiple times that in parts of the South it's common to call every woman ma'am, even a ten year old girl!
It's like that in the midwest too. (Never witnessed a 10 year old being called ma'am, though but maybe a 16 year old) Especially in customer service. I am 23 years old and sometimes I get called 'young lady', 'Miss', or 'Ma'am' by strangers. It's a crapshoot. It depends on the person, maybe to some I look a little mature or younger. Or maybe it has nothing to do with age.
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.
Ding ding ding!
When someone calls me ma'am, I think crap I need to get some better anti-aging products, mine aren't working!
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