I hear that a lot of women think they're too young to be called "ma'am" or that the term signifies physical unattractiveness while "miss" signifies physical attractiveness and youth. Is this true or just a misinterpretation?
2006-10-09 09:57:30 · 26 answers · asked by GoldPenny 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It used to bother me until I moved to the South. Most people still call me Miss, but ma'am is fine too. For my husband, saying ma'am is natural, I think it is for many people.
2006-10-09 09:59:47 · answer #1 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although "ma'am" sounds more polite, I cringed the first time I heard the cashier refer to me by that at the supermarket. I was in my mid-20s. I continued cringing and frowning whenever I heard it applied to me, until I was 29. Now I'm 30, and I just accept it.
Yes, the term "ma'am" insinuates age, and no woman over the age of 24 wants to feel (or reminded that she's) old. However, of course there comes a point where using the term "miss" is also silly and demeaning to a woman.
2006-10-12 10:42:07 · answer #2 · answered by Kaonashi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The humorous element is I certainly have very few single acquaintances. Having my daughter the 365 days when I graduated pissed somewhat some them off. real acquaintances, I certainly have got here upon have a stability of provide and take. My ultimate chum is single and he or she would be able to sit down down and pay attention for hours with regards to the toddlers and my hubby, etc. yet nonetheless whilst her contemporary loser breaks her coronary heart i'm there to help her besides. i think of you may desire a Mommy's nighttime out or no longer less than an smart grownup verbal substitute. As for the "do no longer Cha" area, they strengthen out of that in the time of approximately 6 to a 18 months. My 12 365 days previous might sing the "Milk Shake" and "do no longer Cha' songs on a loop everywhere in the previous 6 months of fourth grade till the top of 5th grade.
2016-12-13 05:09:53 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know it is all a relative thing. I'm 50 now, and I would prefer to be called Ma'am because if someone calls me Miss I think they getting smart with me (or trying to be sarcastic with me about being older). Sick I know - but just an honest reaction. I also hate it when people call me "Young lady" - you can probably tell I live in the South LOL.
2006-10-09 11:12:38 · answer #4 · answered by Karla R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If all it takes for a woman to feel ugly is to be called "ma'am" they already have insecurity issues that shouldn't be blamed on being called "ma'am", especially when it is intended as a show of respect. Some women are just unnecessarily uptight ticking timebombs waiting to explode.
2006-10-09 10:19:38 · answer #5 · answered by FireKracker187 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally hate to be called ma'am. I makes me feel old and ugly. My six year old thinks ma'am is what you call a scary old lady. When I worked retail I was nicer to the customer that called me miss or by my first name. I am 29 and I like to be called miss, because yes, it does make me feel younger and pretty.
2006-10-09 10:04:33 · answer #6 · answered by kristy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the south we are tought to be polite to elders - Yes, ma'am and No, ma'am - Yes, Sir and No, Sir as a term of respect. We don't necessarily say that to young people, consequently the first time you are Yes, ma'am'd means they are looking at you as an "elder". It can be quite deflating.
2006-10-09 10:06:57 · answer #7 · answered by mei-lin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know but I got married young and get tired of people treating me like I'm young. I really don't mind when people refer to me as Mrs.... or ma'am. It makes me feel older and I like that. I don't think it has much to do with attractivness because there are plenty of "aged" women that are attractive and most of us politely answer them with a ma'am.
2006-10-09 11:22:25 · answer #8 · answered by eileen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ma'am is generally used for older women..Miss for young girls..Both are a term of respect....
2006-10-09 10:00:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never been offended by ma'am but I CAN'T STAND "you guys" everywhere my husband and I go they say "hi you guys" what would "you guys" like to drink? How are "you guys" doing tonight? ECT......!!!!
I am older and always show respect to other women by saying yes ma'am, no ma'am it's just very polite.
2006-10-09 10:57:19 · answer #10 · answered by Barrierbuster 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋