Comments on: Navigating the “ma’am” factor

By: You've been Stumbled!

You've been Stumbled! — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:56:19 +0000

[...] You've been Stumbled! [...]

By: faemom

faemom — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:29:58 +0000

I prefer open hostility. I can send that sh*t right back. On the other hand, I can make sir and ma’am sound like a cuss word. It’s a talent picked up in Catholic school.

By: Zen Mom

Zen Mom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:41:50 +0000

I was born in New York and transplanted in Colorado as a teen.

We may have different slang, but the same coding here. Took me years to get it.

Oh how I long for a good, refreshing New Yorker to tell me how it is.

By: Futureblackmail

Futureblackmail — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:24:33 +0000

I’m still stuck on the fact that in any school setting, a child using the word bitch when addressing his/her teacher. Really? Kids do that? WTF.

By: Country Granny

Country Granny — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:23:24 +0000

We’ll talk about “that’s nice” when you get here for Thanksgiving.

By: Kerry

Kerry — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:22:56 +0000

I think Ma’am and Sir are just Old Fashioned manners. But I tend to take friendlness at face value! I mean it IS possible that they are being nice because they are actually friendly? I’d hate to walk around disbelieving that those are real smiles in the checkout line. The world has enough darkness, and loneliness. If we can’t have faith in smiling, a friendly greeting- then what hope is there?
And if you ever run into my smile out somewhere- I promise you I mean it. (even when totally flustered and overwhelmed at Disney on Ice- it was great to see you!)

By: Auntie M

Auntie M — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:25:48 +0000

Another little phrase that is very irritating is “have a nice day.” Do people really care whether you have a nice day? I suggest no. They are so programmed to say that, that it is truly meaningless in my opinion. What is that clerk at the supermarket really thinking??? Hmmmmm.

The most important lesson we learn from this is being respectful and polite to others, which Miss D is doing thanks to her Mommy and Daddy!

By: Uncle Jason

Uncle Jason — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:05:01 +0000

I’ve often said that very thing about New York. In New England, they may not tell you what they’re thinking, but it’s written on their faces. It seems the more polite people get, the more intolerant they tend to be. Maybe civility is what we’re really aiming for. To have the skill to be direct without inciting somebody.

And, for what it’s worth, some of my favorite people are bitches.

By: Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:31:30 +0000

I was just getting ready to write a post about one of my co-workers who says “You’re OK.” and “That’s no problem,” while smiling when I know what she really wants to say is “You’re a freak.” and “That is a SERIOUS! problem!”

By: Tina

Tina — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:11:20 +0000

Oh how true. And the other one that gets me? “Bless your heart” It can be used to show you sympathize with the person or in the “She’s so dumb/stupid/ignorant, bless her heart” way. And southern women have a way of making them both sound the same!