Quote:
Originally posted by Shelacious
I wasn't raised to use Sir or Ma'am. In fact, unless you are older than 55, I will call you what you introduce yourself as...for example, if one of my mother's friends around her age or younger introduces herself (or is introduced as) Wilma, I will call her "Wilma." If I'm introduced to a grandmother's friend or person who's older than 60, then I'll usually add a Mr./ Ms. onto their first or last name (like "Ms. Gloria").
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I have to agree with that. At the school where I work, my paraprofessional (teacher's aide), the school receptionist, the treasurer, etc. are old enough to be my mother/grandmother. So, when they introduced themselves to me, as Maggie, Raquel, Maria, etc. I politely added Ms. in front of their names. Why, because that is how I was raised! My mother was quick to correct me if I forgot to add the miss or mr. to an elder's name! I must be the only teacher in the school that calls them Ms. Maggie, Ms. Raquel, and Ms. Maria. And, to add a twist to it, our receptionist allows the student body (grades 6-8....12-14 year olds) to call her Maggie.
not my students! I told them, if I EVER hear you call her Maggie in my presence.....
but I digress.
I think a lot of it has to do with culture and upbringing.