I call everyone ma'am, but I'm from the south. It was how I was taught to address any adult woman I respect, and sir for men...no age requirement. For example, I say "yes, ma'am" to my 20-something-year-old assistant.

No, it's not that you look old, but I think people hesitate to call someone above 35 "miss", and if the salesperson is younger than you are, she's more likely to call you 'ma'am'.

Some of you are way too sensitive. I couldn't have cared less when I was in my 20's if someone called me 'miss' or 'ma'am'.

I started getting called ma'am in my late twenties/early thirties. I probably get ma'am more than miss, but still get called miss sometimes.

Nobody in their right mind would call me honey or sweetie. .

I'm in my early twenties but I look like a teen (at least according to what people say after they find out my age). I'm called ma'am by sales people who are younger than me, around my age, or a bit older. Older women call me honey.

I wouldn't get worked up over it if I were you.

My husband is in the military. When we first started dating I was 22 (and looked a lot younger) and his 40 something year old MSgt. still called me "ma'am". I'm used to it.

I've been known to call hot young women "Ma'am" just to throw them off. It is funny to see how many of them flinch.

I was called "miss" the other day, and it definitely put a smile on my face.

I am frequently called ma'am and frequently carded. I think in both cases salespeople are in a hurry and generally not making a nuanced judgment about how old people look.

Anonymous wrote:Just turned 35, have started wearing glasses and now am sensitive to sales people calling me ma'am. I am used to 'miss'. Am I just paranoid or does this mean I'm starting to look old?

C'mon, two more years, you will be going to your 20th High School reunion. So, what is wrong with being called ma'am? Honor your age.

Anonymous wrote:I hate that the word ma'am is in our vernacular. It is slang for madam, and sounds like a drawl. To be honest, I'd rather hear madam.

The British say "Ma'am" when speaking to the Queen. I think the "vernacular" that you refer to is called English.