I've changed, and I'm not sure that I'm happy about it.

**Shay** · 9th August 05, 03:42 PM

I remember I used to get ma'am from a guy who was three years older than me on the basis that I was married and had a kid, he was so sweet. He said his mom always taught him single women are miss, married women and mothers are ma'am. I'm still Ms. on any correspondence, it's disconcerting to get mail addressed to Mr and Mrs John Smith, though. I know some women like it, I always saw that as, "Dear Sir and addendum.." LOL!

Being in the military makes you say sir and ma'am a lot more than other folks, too. Maybe you caught the admiring eye of an off-duty soldier or soldier's kid!

**GatorUK** · 10th August 05, 01:05 PM

When I was training Navy Recruits I got "Sir'd" to death. Got a lot of respect but don't know how many of them thought of me as "cool" though.

**mexpiper** · 10th August 05, 01:23 PM

Bethankful, that they did not call you "yo Dude" or something other than that. It just shows that they were brought up correctly. I was taught to call men I did not know sir or mister when I was younger. When I worked retail, I always adressed an older gentleman as sir or mister. If they were younger than me " I always asked what could I do for you young sir? " They were always responding in a more postivie attitude, one kid went and told his mother and he was smiling all the way.

I also address my letters or cards to my nephews as " Master John Smith", they always know it comes from me. I did have to explain to their mother what I meant by addressing the term Master. My nephew wanted to know when will he be addressed as Mr., I stated that when he turn 17 or 18 depending on how mature he is and acts as a gentleman should.

Yeah I know I sound like an old foggeym but than again i am 40.

**Alan H** · 10th August 05, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by mexpiper

I also address my letters or cards to my nephews as " Master John Smith", they always know it comes from me. I did have to explain to their mother what I meant by addressing the term Master. My nephew wanted to know when will he be addressed as Mr., I stated that when he turn 17 or 18 depending on how mature he is and acts as a gentleman should.

Yeah I know I sound like an old foggeym but than again i am 40.

My grandmother used to address her letters to me as "Master". I don't know anyone else who does that, but I kind of like it.

As for "yo, dude"...hey, I'm from California. I'm USED to that! LOLOL

**Prester John** · 10th August 05, 04:08 PM

Under the age of 12 is normally addressed as "Master"

and in our family, they are written with that address still.

It's nice to see that propriety is not completely dead, and that my wife (I'll add myself in there, too) is not alone in "doing it right."

Good work!

**Shay** · 10th August 05, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by Prester John

Under the age of 12 is normally addressed as "Master"

I believe anyone who still lives at home or is dependent on others is still Master, though.

**Bill** · 10th August 05, 05:01 PM

At my place of employment (and everywhere else) I am in the habit of addressing everyone as Sir or Ma'am a habit I might add that was instilled in me at a young age by my parents. I will never forget the time though when a lady customer insisted that I not call her ma'am and I tried my best to abide by her wishes but the habit kicked in and I inadvertantly addressed her as Ma'am once again. Well she turned red slammed down the shoe she was looking at and stalked out without another word! BTW if someone wants to accuse me of being "old fashion" then let them tis a habit I'll not be breakin'.

Bill