My decades-old habit may surprise some, but

gentleman included addressing what we call 'the fairer sex,' as 'Mam.' It was a sign of respect to view each and every woman a lady. To not do so was an accusation that they were not. Even if they, by any standards, didn't deserve that respect. Calling a woman 'Mam,' more defined the gentleman more than it did the lady.

Both elder men and men of position were called 'Sir.' That too defined the gentleman. One showed respect to others as a measure of respect to himself.

I can see that this is lost today. Not only has politeness vanished from our society, so with it went our self respect.

To address an elderly person without showing respect was considered the violation of familiarity. It was considered a sign of disrespect to the elderly as if one held such an equal position of venerableness. It was also a sign of suggesting one 'knew,' a woman in the Biblical manner or a lesser offense of considering himself as familiar with a woman as her brother.

One might point to the bra burnings of the 1960s and assign some credit to women but that would only be an excuse for men of that age losing our self-respect and blaming it on the 'fairer sex,' which would show even less self-respect being that we allowed others to lose respect for us.

hartins®

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Sep 14, 2022, 7:11 AM

even now at the age of 75, I typically address business clientele with a Mr., Mrs. Or Miss and a Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am.

Of course, many times with repeated transactions the formality becomes more relaxed. However, I maintain a view that I am deeply appreciative of their interest and business. I believe the formality evidences to them that sense of gratitude. I've had younger folks express surprise to which I have expressed my honor to them for their consideration, and to a person they have thanked me for such.

My own grandchildren were raised in the north where those types of formalities are typically not practiced; however, in my presence they do...because my son and his wife sternly warned the kids to tread lightly around their Paw Paw when it comes to manners (lol.) As an aside, on visits to the north, even the kids' maternal relatives practice the same manners, deferring to my views.

Years ago, military wags related how much easier recruits from the South adapted to military discipline due to their culture, something I witnessed as an Army officer. (Caveat: I served with many outstanding people born and raised in the North.)

Strange habits, I suppose, in different areas of our country, though, admittedly, I prefer those I learned here in the good, ole South.

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Southern culture

Sad I now have to apologize for saying ma’am…***

Your saying mam is more about you than anyone else.

Some folks just don't want to be happy! If you complain

Re: Southern culture

Re: Southern culture

No, that's a reflection to back when being a southern...

Re: Southern culture

Re: Southern culture

Seems like quite the lecture you give them.***

Re: you sound really fun to be around***

Re: you sound really fun to be around***

It's the unjustified familarity which insults.

My decades-old habit may surprise some, but

i'm 49 and i stil yes yes sir and yes maam to the 16 year

I do the same, Mr. Hartins. My dad always said that being

Self respect command respect from others.

Per Bocephus: We say Grace, and we say Ma'am, if you ain't

I call most everyone Ma'am and Sir no matter their age***

Re: Southern culture

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