Beech Tree News Network

The Sir/Ma’am Introduction

I felt a little strange the first time I was called sir.  My thought at the moment, and still at times, was “You talking to me?” Now, at 35, I’m starting to get used to it.  Okay, that’s a lie.  When do you get used to it? Or do you? I posted that very question on social media and got varied results.

One response I received on Facebook when I posed this question was “I never blink when called sir, and it was when I was still young.  I take it as a gesture of respect”.  He added that he uses sir and ma’am a lot.  Even if some might be taken aback, chances are good that they’ll beam inwardly.

Another said her first ma’am was at age 30.  I can definitely see where that could make a person feel old.  I felt old at first.  Still another said “My grandson told me thank you sir; I said you are supposed to say Ma'am to me; he said I not say man.... you a girl. He is three and that was so cute. So, no didn't make me feel old; made me laugh”.

I posed this question to my best friend, who replied, “I got called ma’am in high school by a freshman”.  I did not like it! I still don’t like it.  I might like it in my Golden Girl years.  It might seem respectful then.  She said if she ever has a son, she’d teach him to say “Ms.” And not “ma’am” when they’re younger.

Whether it makes you feel respectable or old, it’s a fact that being called sir or ma’am is something that will happen to all of us.  Not to say that it’s a bad thing.

Hello.  My name is Andy Sullivan.  I received my bachelor’s degree in business from Mid-Continent University in June 2009.  I began writing for beechtree in July 2009.  I enjoy writing, photography, watching basketball and football, and playing guitar.  I also write a blog that encompasses sports and entertainment, called Sports and More, at http://andyuk79.tumblr.com If you have any comments, please leave them in the space below.  Thanks for reading!