#102 - Saying Ma'am and Sir

Saying "Ma'am" and "Sir"

In some parts of the country, young gentleman are brought up to say "ma'am" and "sir" when they are talking to older people. In other places, people never say "ma'am" or "sir."

If you live in Maine and you are visiting you grandmother in Georgia, you might think it sounds stupid when you hear your cousins saying "ma'am" and "sir." But if you're from Georgia and are visiting your grandmother in Maine, you might think your cousins are being rude when they answer by simply saying "yes" or "no."

It is not so important what you say, but how you say it. If what you say is said with kindness and respect, it will be the right thing to say.

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know