If so, why?
2006-07-29 13:37:45 · 31 answers · asked by kobacker59 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I do, as a sign of respect
2006-07-29 13:38:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
When I'm speaking to a superior in a clear "caste" situation, yes - i.e., when I'm talking to my teachers: "Excuse me sir, could you please help me . . . " or to my boss's supervisor (I work at Taco Bell, so everyone's kind of on a first name basis, even the bosses). However, in normal conversation, I don't - i.e., the lady down the street who has all the cats is "Shirley," even though she's got to be at least fifty years older than me.
There is one other time when it's appropriate to use "sir" or "ma'am" - when you don't know someone very well, i.e when I first met Shirley she was helping me look for my missing cat. She promised to keep an eye out, and when I left I said "thank you, ma'am."
Why? These are just basic manners - ask Emily Post.
2006-07-29 22:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by living_in_a_bell_jar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do out of respect. I substitute and volunteer at school, and I say ma'am and sir even to the 3 and 4 year olds in HeadStart. I try my best to respect others, and maybe I'll get a little in return!
2006-07-29 20:44:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! In the place where I was raised, it is actually a sign of disrespect. If a person responds "yes ma'am" then the other will respond, "well YES SIR!!!" The situation gets out of hand, and no one is happy.
2006-07-29 20:53:03 · answer #4 · answered by Amino Acid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will come a time that as you get older you will experience yes ma'am or sir.When you in your thirties or forties it actually makes someone that age feel "older"..You think who the heck thinks I'm a ma'am!!.Then you adjust and appreciate the respect that goes a long with age.You think the parents tought manners to their children and it makes you look good and earn respect for yourself when you respect others.Thank you sir for asking
2006-07-29 20:49:05 · answer #5 · answered by mustang 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently only in the US. Over this side of the pond we only use Ma'am and Sir to address teachers in primary (and some secondary (High) schools
2006-07-30 14:37:17 · answer #6 · answered by Maeve B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It usually depends who I am talking to. I live in MAryland and most people do not. But I recently visited West Virginia and everyone said ma'am, sir, Mr, Ms. They were very polite and respectful.
2006-07-29 20:41:49 · answer #7 · answered by his_grace2810 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the situation and to whom I am speaking. I will use "sir" and "ma'am" in a formal setting.
2006-07-29 20:41:00 · answer #8 · answered by T-Bone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In formal settings, or people I don't know I will. I use it as a respect thing and its easier to say "ma'am" for women instead of trying to figure out if they are a ms. mrs. etc.
2006-07-29 20:42:08 · answer #9 · answered by run like whoa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I still do and I am over 50 now, I was taught this manner as a very small child. I am very proud that my son's have always done it in to show there respect to elders also. Repect should be shown to all our elderly, you could learn alot from a elder, they have seen many things in their day!
2006-07-29 21:09:51 · answer #10 · answered by lilbitevil2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When its with my recruiter and other sergeants YES...to be respectful. In order to GET respect you MUST give it. That and i think its good manners....after all i am representing the marines wherever i go so i want to make a good impression NOT a bad one.
2006-07-29 21:29:57 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋