I use it, but I only hear it from someone who sees all my white hair and calls me sir. It doesn’t seem to be used on someone about their same age. Hmmm, I wonder if it’s age discrimination — against someone their own age? A way to try to make them feel on an equal footing, so to speak?
When I was a RN I always called all my patients sir or ma’am (or Mr./Mrs./Ms.) unless they indicated they wanted me to call them by another name. My parents taught me to respect everyone else. I don’t ever want to hear a nurse calling a patient something like “honey” or “sweety” because they are to lazy to learn the patient’s name.
There was this lady at my church who used to call my mother grandma, even though this lady was near my mother’s age I though it was a bit rude. My mother was in her late 90’s and a great-grandmother at the time.
Born in Illinois, I was taught to be respectful, but the sir and ma’am. were not taught by my parents. ((I remember the old westerns, but also Andy Griffith Show did a lot of yes sir, no ma’am.)) I moved to N Florida and working here, I learned very quickly to say sir and ma’am to everyone. Thirty years later, it rolls off the tongue easily. As Seasider 48 said, I also call everyone Mr or Ms until given permission to use first name.
Grew up on military bases with a Marine Corps Dad and a New England school teacher Mom. Then I lived in Teas for thirty years. Believe me, “Sir and Ma’am” are well ingrained in my lexicon.
Watcher over 4 years ago
Or you live in Britain.
Farside99 over 4 years ago
I use it, but I only hear it from someone who sees all my white hair and calls me sir. It doesn’t seem to be used on someone about their same age. Hmmm, I wonder if it’s age discrimination — against someone their own age? A way to try to make them feel on an equal footing, so to speak?
Seasider48. over 4 years ago
When I was a RN I always called all my patients sir or ma’am (or Mr./Mrs./Ms.) unless they indicated they wanted me to call them by another name. My parents taught me to respect everyone else. I don’t ever want to hear a nurse calling a patient something like “honey” or “sweety” because they are to lazy to learn the patient’s name.
sergioandrade Premium Member over 4 years ago
There was this lady at my church who used to call my mother grandma, even though this lady was near my mother’s age I though it was a bit rude. My mother was in her late 90’s and a great-grandmother at the time.
Caldonia over 4 years ago
That’s actually an adult film. Someone’s packages need carrying, all right. Right into the bedroom.
Breadboard over 4 years ago
When it’s the right thing to do , do it .
nyssawho13 over 4 years ago
Born in Illinois, I was taught to be respectful, but the sir and ma’am. were not taught by my parents. ((I remember the old westerns, but also Andy Griffith Show did a lot of yes sir, no ma’am.)) I moved to N Florida and working here, I learned very quickly to say sir and ma’am to everyone. Thirty years later, it rolls off the tongue easily. As Seasider 48 said, I also call everyone Mr or Ms until given permission to use first name.
ctolson over 4 years ago
And see good manners and respect displayed.
namleht over 4 years ago
I am 60 and I am ok without hearing sir….And I’m in Georgia…where it’s not so common…Thank goodness
MichaelSFC90 over 4 years ago
Being from Indiana and now living in Tennessee, I’ve had seniors look at me in shock when I hold the door open for them.
puntovert99 over 4 years ago
Ain’t that the truth … yes siree Bob !
the lost wizard over 4 years ago
Aw shucks.
Alberta Oil Premium Member over 4 years ago
Pluggers are only tuned to listen for grandma or gramps
Bruce1253 over 4 years ago
If we want to turn around the world from the mess it has become, being polite would be a great way to start.
BearHamilton over 4 years ago
Grew up on military bases with a Marine Corps Dad and a New England school teacher Mom. Then I lived in Teas for thirty years. Believe me, “Sir and Ma’am” are well ingrained in my lexicon.
Jim Kerner over 4 years ago
Also, the Marines and the Boy Scouts