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I got called ma'am today by several members of a college football team. I was actually surprised that they were polite and also said thank you. It made me realize just how old I am.
I don't like being called ma'am, but I don't get offended by it. It's hard to fault someone for being polite. I can understand someone who doesn't know me calling me that, but if I know you, I'd prefer you just call me by name (I'm with you J6...despite my status here, I'd rather not be called Mrs. 4020. Beagle is fine. ).
I was 17 the first time I had the dreaded word directed at me. I won't lie. It stung.
18 year old kid at the gas station calls me "Sir" every day. I said man you don't have to call me that I'm like 10 years older than you, i'm not your dad He's a good kid though.
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?
Maam is usually referring to someone who is a grandmom.
I got carded up to the age of 35. And I still wear t-shirts and hoodies. What on earth does that have to do with anything?!
I am 34. When I wear t-shirts and hoodies people think I am 16 and don't take me seriously. I have been avoiding them like the plague since I was 24, unless I am going to the gym.
Maybe when I look a little older I can wear them more frequently.
***Oh and it seems like when I have those "young looking" days, older (50+) people hit on me. It starts getting really sketchy.....
I am 34. When I wear t-shirts and hoodies people think I am 16 and don't take me seriously. I have been avoiding them like the plague since I was 24, unless I am going to the gym.
Maybe when I look a little older I can wear them more frequently.
***Oh and it seems like when I have those "young looking" days, older (50+) people hit on me. It starts getting really sketchy.....
I live at the beach, so T-shirts and hoodies are standard here, for everyone. Age is not a factor at all.
It probably makes them feel old. I've never heard of anyone getting terrible offended by it, though. People usually just jokingly say "oh my god, I'm not THAT old" or something along those lines.
A female i know who is 36 was referred to as Maam and didn't like it at all
It does not bother me but it makes you feel more like an Elderly Matronly Lady than anything else !
Mind you in the UK The Queen is Ma'am so maybe they are just bestowing some royal title upon me !!!
In the US it seems to be a fairly regional thing I have noticed. In the UK the only time I have been called Ma'am is by Royal Air Force Officers on the Base my Husband works on like when they open the door for you or stand up from the table when you enter the Mess. I find it super cute to have some young chaps doing this still in 2012 !
When I turned 21 - I got carded all the time. When I was 23 or 24, I still got carded all the time - and I felt like - "Come on! I'm WAY over 21!" Hahahaha! When I was in my mid to late 20's - I was still getting carded - but it started to become flattering. Then, when I wasn't carded, I felt like, "Come on! I could still pass for 20!" Hahahaha! Now I'm thrilled when I get carded but I certainly don't expect it!
Same here. I used to get upset when I got carded in my late teens-early/mid 30's and then my parents would laugh and say something like, "just wait til you get older like us and you'll be glad to get carded".
Now well past my 40's and it's interesting the times that I do get carded. When they ask for ID, I'll say something like, "see, well over"
I wish my folks were still around so I can say, "yep, you were right" and relay some of the stories.
As for Ma'am. I don't get too upset w/ total strangers until you frequently run into each other. Then, I'd just wish that they drop it. If I can converse with someone I know older than myself without throwing in "ma'am this, ma'am that" then I don't see why they can't. Hey, just because I'm older, doesn't mean I'm dead. Most of the younger crowd would be surprised that you listen to the same kind of music that they do.
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). 
He's a good kid though.
And I still wear t-shirts and hoodies. What on earth does that have to do with anything?!
