I completely second that thought! I am always a little disappointed when anyone refers to me as ma'am! I also thank anyone who cards me as it must be an attempt at flattering me. If only we could convince the world that ma'am is only for grandparents!

I don't like ma'am, either. And I'm one of those Problem People - I didn't my name when getting married, and therefore do not have the same name as my kids (which causes great confusion at the school, where I share the last name with my cousins, who are often mistaken for my kids). I usually get 'Miss Cinda' to avoid the last-name-issue, and I guess I'm OK with that. As long as it's not ma'am. Oh, and I'm happy to show you my ID, too. :)

I find it very respectful to call you ma'am or to call a man sir. I think we have lost some of those values in our society today. Maybe bringing some of the old fashioned back isn't such a bad thing.

well then people can call you ma'm. Chad. I agree with the above!

We need to find a new title to replace ma'm and start spreading it use around. This should be easy enough in the digital age. Grand high exaulted mytic ruler is just to long.....

"Yes ma'am" is particularly well received when directed to your wife...

I admit, I'm a 'mam'er', strictly out of respect (sounds better than 'miss' or 'sweetcheeks', but I also like 'honey')..

I have on occasion used ma'am as a reflex response then found myself pleasantly surprised when I look up and discover that the ma'am is really hot..

Googling '"ma'am," I found that it is the preferred address for female members of the British royal family (on second and subsequent mentions). Does that make us feel better or worse, ladies?

I've certainly been called worse.

As a Child I was taught by my mother and father that too address an adult female was to do so as Ma'am or Miss out of respect same for an adult male as Mister or Sir. To this day I still will do so and have taught my children the same. I understand times have changed and as a society we have become less formal even wanting children to call adults by their first names. (Not my kids!) None the less it will take a generation or two to move past that... as we already are moving in that direction but when my daughters friends mom says call me Judy..Until a more suitable term is coined formy children it is Miss or Ma'am Mister or SIr.

I prefer the brits use of calling you "Love". There is one guy at Traders Joes that always says, thanks love.
I would take honey over ma'am anyday!

Having moved back to the Chicago area after five years living in the mid-South, I must admit that I use ma'am and sir 100% more often than I did before living in the south, and always out of respect for those who are older than me. If its a close call on age and/or addressing a younger female who is working at a store or restaurant and who I'm imposing on with a question or comment, I default to Miss. Sir works for any guy, young or old, and the young ones often appreciate the respect.

My wife was also a bit taken aback during our time down south when neighborhood kids would answer "Yes ma'am" or the like and would ask me if she is old enough "to be a ma'am." But it ultimately became quite clear that it was a sign of respect. I was often surprised by how polite just about any usual (or even gruff or gangsta) looking teen would all of a sudden sound when you engaged them and they replied "Yes ma'am" or "Yes sir." Its better than sullen looking silence or kids who mumble "huh" or some other non-reply that barely acknowledges you. And except for family and close friends where first names are fine, we're teaching our 2 year old to refer to family friends who we address by first name as "Mr. Tony," "Miss Elaine" or, in special cases like Wendy, "Miss Hottie." We figure teaching a bit of respect early isn't going to hurt anything. If my kid should become known as overly polite, I can deal with it.

I am not sure what kind of house you grew up in Andrea, but in my house those terms were used out of respect for your elders. Something sorely missing in todays society.

It's a different story if you say, yes ma'am with a southern accent. It becomes charming!

Makes me think of a recent ad for a new show that referenced this - a 30 something woman was called "ma'am" by a much younger looking girl at the gym - which resulted in the 30 year old threatening to beat the younger girl up...
Ma'am doesn't bother me at all, but I had a southern friend that always had to answer her mother with ma'am when we were younger so maybe that took away the "old" feeling it for me...

I make sure my kids use "Mrs.", "Miss", or "Mr" when addressing other adults and even find myself addressing their teachers that way as well... which is mostly because I don't want other kids hearing me address them by their first names.

Even that seems very acceptable Liz. I don't understand being offended by it though.

I think I'd prefer "Madame" like the French intended it to be - sounds much classier and less an edict on age.

OK, "offends" is too strong a word. I understand the intentions, I just don't relate. At all.

Chad, you're probably right: as a kid, I addressed adults as Mr. or Mrs., looked them in the eye, used my manners, and treated them respectfully. "Sir" or "ma'am" rarely came into play. And I don't regret that.

While I'll usually take "ma'am" over "hey, you," I only ask to be addressed with respect. I still wish there was a term with which I felt more comfortable.

I am fine with Mr. or Mrs. also. I would be happy with any respectful way that kids address adults these days. :-)