Being called sir means you look old or it is just a matter of respect?

[bostonterrier]

I hate being called sir,makes me feel old:laugh:

[carhill]

I view the term 'sir' as an expression of polite respect and nothing more and routinely use it with men younger than myself. Same with ma'am/miss. That probably stems from socialization by a father who was military in WW2.

[BlametheIrish]

I hate being called sir,makes me feel old:laugh:

 

I feel the same way when being called mam.

[amaysngrace]

I was bothered by being called ma'am initially because it did make me feel old until I realized people older than I am called me that.

 

Now it doesn't even phase me except I think it sounds nice.

[CaliGypsy]

I also use sir or ma'm with those much younger than myself.( including kids) Firstly, I was raised in the south where it's the norm and secondly I think it's common for my generation.

[carhill]

Forgot to add that I don't feel old when hearing the word 'sir' used when addressing me, rather I feel old when dragging my aching bones out of bed in the morning after a day of physical labor which would have left my younger self unaffected. I'm happy when younger generations, or at least some of them, still carry on traditions of the past. Most interestingly, I hear the word most used by the military young men and women I encounter in my travels. Brightens my day.

[Shepp]

This makes me think of the first time I was called sir - by some 7 or 8 year old kid - I was only 17, I was genuinely surprised but it definitely gave me that " **** this is it, I'm an adult now " moment.

 

I don't mind it though, I think it is just respectful - I much much much prefer it to people calling me "Mr. Shepherd" ---> That's my dad!!!! Not me! What are they doing!!

[bubbaganoosh]

I was called sir once when I was in my early to mid 30's and the first thing to hit me was, "I finally made it".

 

Now I'm 66 and when I was growing up, older men had a habit of looking at young men in their 20's as nothing more than a kid who shaves. I guess they thought you needed a lot more time to earn your stripes. Then the day came when some kid called me sir and the only thing to come to my mind was, I made manhood.

 

I know it sounds stupid but maybe it's me and the era I grew up in but calling a man sir or a woman mam is someone showing respect

 

I would rather be call sir by a kid then "Hey a-- hole!

[FitChick]

I wish they would teach all young kids in school to address their elders this way. The world would be a better place.