A Stupid Thing

[sitonmyinterface]

One of the dumbest things to get upset about is being called "ma'am" (a shortened form of "madam"). In my opinion, it's just a sign of respect and shouldn't be taken to mean that you're OLD! You wouldn't believe the amount of girls (oh, I'm sorry, women) that get their panties in a wad when someone calls them "ma'am" because: "I'm only 28, single with no kids! WTF, mate?" I guess only we can can determine how we want to react to things, but I don't think the intention is to call someone old when you call someone "ma'am". I personally will never say "miss" when addressing a female in a professional setting, regardless of age. I always say "ma'am".

All in all, these offended are only hurting themselves when they choose to get offended by any little insignificant thing. They're only inviting self-created negativity.

Comments

[specter_rot]

I actually get annoyed being called "ma'am" but it's more related to my gender dysphoria rather than "uwu i'm only 29"

[ironymaiden]

or you could stop using gendered language in a professional setting. if you think about it, the cultural baggage around this is heavy - men are never formally addressed in ways that comment on their age or marital status. Or called out as male at all, since they are "default" humans.

i understand the intention of expressing politeness as you know it, but the wording of your complaint ("girls", "panties in a wad", "choose to get offended") is...unfortunate. why does this incident stir you so?

[sitonmyinterface]

I see, well thats a different reason. I hate that aging insecurity lol

[sitonmyinterface]

You may realize over time that I am not the most PC individual. The main underlying issue with me is that when someone is simply trying to be polite, it's met with complaints based on aging insecurities.

[tjoel2]

I don't understand it either. Makes no sense to me why people are offended by that.

[sabraka]

Did you photoshop that? I like it :D

I have to admit a feeling of "oh-shit" when called "ma'am", 'cause like.. ((when did that happen? Is it my face? What I'm wearing? When did I cross over!!?)) Insecurities! "Miss" is generally how "young women" are addressed, & I guess it can be hard to ignore that fact & remain secure in a society where we put such emphasis on remaining/appearing youthful.

[sitonmyinterface]

Nope, I didn't do this one :) I should post more of my silly pics.

[beautyizdead]

I think of this when my boyfriend replies to things I ask him and says "Yes Ma'am." I know he isn't saying I am old but it's his way of being polite to me and answering properly. You never see a man get shitty when someone calls him "Sir." Women need to get over this fear of thinking they are old. We give words power could be bad or could be good. lol

[smile_n_cuddle]

I SO AGREE! I also dislike people who are all in a huff because guys open the doors for them, etc.

You can be a feminist and still be treated nicely :)

[sitonmyinterface]

Agreed, as Eleanor Roosevelt basically said, only we can allow ourselves to feel guilty ( and I am sure this goes for any feeling we can consume ourselves with)

[sitonmyinterface]

I also don't get caught up in that sort of shit. It's called common courtesy!! Women hold doors for each other too. I know you can open it yourself but come on! Too many people are half-cocked these days.