Why is it that wherever I go, in whatever clothes I wear, and however my intonation of saying, “Hi” or “Thank you” is, I always get a “yes, Ma’am” in reply? EEEEEK! That drives me crazy! I understand that it’s polite, but I’m not that old! The word also indicates a woman of refinement. I was in a Rangers visor, blue jeans, and sneakers. Nothing refined about that! I don’t think I look or act like I am of Ma’am-worthy age. Don’t these whippersnappers realize the words pouring out of their mouths? Can’t they feel the word, then NOT say it? I understand saying it out of respect to your elders, but REALLY??? I only said “ma’am” when I was in big trouble as a kid. Too many people reply with it automatically.
Yesterday I was walking around a corner, back to our table, and a young man (maybe late 20s, or early 30s) bumped into me. I said, “Whoops, I’m sorry.” And he replied, “Oh, sorry ma’am!” Grrrrrr
When I ordered my purple martini, the server put it down and answered my “Thank you” with a “Yes, Ma’am,”
Our last stop on our Cheat-Day-smorgasbord-walk was at our favorite sushi stop. We walked in and immediately Anthony hugged me and Terry, the sushi chef, smiled at us. We sat down at the sushi bar to order, and Anthony knew what we wanted, so no ma’am was heard. He must know it bugs me. Or, he just doesn’t follow that polite-respectful-rote trope. Thank you, Anthony!
I will let you know when I’m old enough to warrant the moniker Ma’am. <Don’t hold your breath!>
I know I’m older than some and younger than most, but I prefer no honorific. Thank you.
Any thoughts?
Aloha,
Denise
