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

**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.

**Freedomlover** · 10th August 05, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by chasem

I call men "Sir" all the time though. I was raised that it was a sign of respect, and not just for people far older than you. I call the 17 year old kid behind the cash register at Wal Mart "sir." Not so much because he is superior in any way, but because he's doing a service or job for me.

I like that very much. Common courtesy is vanishingly rare these days. I like to watch the person ar the register as my turn approaches. You can pretty well tell how their day is going. The best part is watching them perk right up when I treat them with respect.

**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

**Archangel** · 10th August 05, 11:18 PM

I remember in elementary school, the first time we heard "ma'am" was when an American boy moved here. The teacher had a difficult time teaching him not to address her that way. At that time it was always miss ___, mrs. ___, or sister ___. Different cultures have different titles. My feeling is that "ma'am" is more common now.

**macgreggor** · 11th August 05, 02:53 AM

when we started our family, my spouse and i had a talk about what to teach our to address their elders. it seems that in this part of wisconsin there are way too many constanats and way to few vowels in last names. now it is hard enough to learn english without THAT particular obstacle so we went with miss (first name) or mr (first name). seemed a good compromise.

just haven't ever liked a 6 year old calling an acult by their first name.

my personal quirk.

macG