Please don't call me "Mam"

Hey missy! I would have to agree with you on this one! I also hate being called Mam! It just seems like such an "old" term! I know that it means that someone is just trying to be sort of polite, but I also hate it! But, what can we do? That is just what people say when they have no other way to address us! They can't think of another term to use so that's what they say! So, I guess it's better than some of the terms they could use if you think about it like "old lady" or worse!

I think we should invent a new word, that means respect and doesn't make us feel like we need a walker. How about m'lady? I always thought it sounded kind of nice? I know it may be REALLY old fashioned, but it sounds so romantic. I'll bet there are some non-English words that would suit very nicely. Any ideas folks?

Sir & Ma'am/Mam are respectful add ons to greetings, especially when interacting with strangers. * When you are dealing with ladies (young and old) it avoids many social pitfalls of a most modern nature. A woman can be a Miss, a Mrs., or a Ms., and could be insulted if you should call her by the wrong one. Women can have hyphenated names, they can change their names when they marry again, again, (or six times again as did Liz Taylor.) Many of Liz's marriages were when she was relatively youthful, and during an age where social pitfalls could really give you a blush. * In the business world, even in fast food emporiums, avoiding the social blunder is key as some customers are touchier than others about surnames and various proprieties, so their managers require them to pull out the Ma'am with the burgers and fries.

The way I was raised,calling a woman Maam was a sign of respect.It might just be a southern thing.The same thing goes with calling a man Sir.

It's called "good manners," Missybear. I'm sad that you can't see "ma'am" and "sir" as a show of respect. Would you rather people say "Hey, you" or "Get out of the way before I make you get out of the way"? With all due respect, I don't know where you live, but you wouldn't make it for very long down here in the South if you don't like being called "ma'am".

Hi Missybear, It depends on the area, location or country are you. In our country it's a sign of respect no matter if you are young or old it will always be part of a regular dialogue. but we can always correct people if we are not comfortable being called as such. it's cultural. i understand you and your feelings about it friend!

Hi missybear. Yes, being called ma'am does make me feel old. Although it doesn't happen to me much...yet LOL, there is one employee that always says this to me. Now, I probably wouldn't mind it so much if it was being said by an (actual) kid, but this guy doesn't look any younger than me. It drives me nuts! Hmm, maybe the next time I see him around, I'll call him sir, just for the hell of it. Though with my luck, he'd probably like it! LOL Oh, and I promise not to call you ma'am if you promise to do the same for me. I'll just call you missybear instead! Happy mylotting!

Hi missybear! I am called "Ma'am" every single day. Well, yes, it makes me feel older. But I think it's a matter of getting used to it. I am teaching in one of the universities here in our city. I get to encounter hundreds of students daily. They call me "Ma'am" or "Mam" and I think I don't have any choice.

Hi, missybear. In a way it makes me feel very mature. I know teenagers that work in a store will call me "Mam". That is only because they have to talk this way because of their job. If I started having many people call me Mam, I may feel old. I guess people see you as an mature woman for your age, maybe that is why they are saying, "Mam" to you.

Ugh.. not really. Well, I wouldn't really say that I would be so old with my 22 years. So I would find it rather funny and amusing. It might get annoying someday but that day probably won't come for another 20 years.. :)

Absolutely not! But that could be because people have been calling me maam for quite a while. I guess you do have a point. When I was first addressed in this way I was surprised. I didn't know I was old enough to be called by this title. I now know that people also use it as an expression of respect. At least it does still mean that people adhere to some of the traditional ways in our society. I'd rather people call me by maam than some other casual form of address.

Although I'm only 19, I also feel the same way. Not because it makes me feel old.. But I'm just weird about using the terms "mam" and "sir". Although I work in customer service, RARELY will I EVER call someone "mam" or "sir". I feel like it's condescending to the person who says it. And that's why I feel bad when people call me "mam" or "sir" because I don't feel like someone is INFERIOR to me just because of their job or status or whatever. I know that a lot of people say the terms "mam" and "sir" to be polite and show respect, but I just don't feel comfortable with it! And besides, I think these words are outdated, a little bit. Anyway, don't feel like you're alone in being called "mam". I don't think it has to do with age to be honest with you. I think some people do it to have a respectful tone when addressing someone they don't know.

aha i am 20 years old ````but looks like a little boy````i am also feel bad when someone call me little brother that he or she is more little```my english is poor```

I think you should face the fact.If you are young in your heart,You will not old at all and no need mind such words.

I don't like it either, but I guess people don't know how to call the stranger, so they say mam...some still call me young lady and I have to admit that between the two, I batter to be call young lady.... HUGS

I'm not sure I've even been called Mam or Ma'amother than when I've been visiting America. I find that far more respectful than a lot of the things I've been called in this country. I hate being called "Hun" (as in honey) or "Babe"... excuse me, I am soooooo not either and I find them insulting!!

glad i am not the only one. but i guess its out of respect they are showing. i keep that in my mind, but my little brother will do that with everyone and now it just cought on with me so i find myself doing it to people. but they smile 99% of the time, and i guess that is what matter have a great day

Hi missybear! I know what you mean. It does make me feel old but at the same time I realize that it is just a term of respect. Anyone can be a mam around these parts..LOL...

I understand your point of view missy, and as we share the same age, I can appreciate the preference for 'miss'. It can be particularly annoying when the speaker sounds like a goat clearing it's throat. However, knowing that the speaker's likely intention is to accord me respect, recognizing that I am probably no longer in high school and likely have the wisdom that comes with a few more years, I try not to bristle. What I find far more offensive, is being ignored. Nothing irritates me more than some customer service person looking over my head, or not looking at me at all, and although I'm standing right in front of them, just keep on with what they are doing.

First Of All How Old You? Second- I'll Be Really Happy in Your "Place"... By The Way,- To Be A Mum or Dad is One Of The Greatest Thing in The World... I Think You're Too Young Now To Understand It,But With Time You Will Be Happy- I'm Sure! ;)