I've changed, and I'm not sure that I'm happy about it.

[Shay]

I remember I used to get ma'am from a guy who was three years older than me on the basis that I was married and had a kid, he was so sweet. He said his mom always taught him single women are miss, married women and mothers are ma'am. I'm still Ms. on any correspondence, it's disconcerting to get mail addressed to Mr and Mrs John Smith, though. I know some women like it, I always saw that as, "Dear Sir and addendum.." LOL!

Being in the military makes you say sir and ma'am a lot more than other folks, too. Maybe you caught the admiring eye of an off-duty soldier or soldier's kid!

[GatorUK]

When I was training Navy Recruits I got "Sir'd" to death. Got a lot of respect but don't know how many of them thought of me as "cool" though.

[mexpiper]

Bethankful, that they did not call you "yo Dude" or something other than that. It just shows that they were brought up correctly. I was taught to call men I did not know sir or mister when I was younger. When I worked retail, I always adressed an older gentleman as sir or mister. If they were younger than me " I always asked what could I do for you young sir? " They were always responding in a more postivie attitude, one kid went and told his mother and he was smiling all the way.

I also address my letters or cards to my nephews as " Master John Smith", they always know it comes from me. I did have to explain to their mother what I meant by addressing the term Master. My nephew wanted to know when will he be addressed as Mr., I stated that when he turn 17 or 18 depending on how mature he is and acts as a gentleman should.

Yeah I know I sound like an old foggeym but than again i am 40.