Do you say Sir/Mam' - if so why?

[shropshire 0]

As stated.. culturally we do not call anyone Sir (the only exception was when I was in the service and then it had nothing to do with respect, it was expected), to the same extent as people do in the States.

It would never occur to me to call a cop Sir (If I did so over here, they'd probably [correctly] think that I was taking the piss!)

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[freeflir29 0]

Raised in the Southern US, then spent a long time in the military, and still use it today. It drives my clients nuts. Especially the women. They all want me to call them by their first name but I won't. I HAVE to keep the professional relationship as it should be. I'm NOT their friend............merely the person that is there to make sure they arrive alive.

[Cudlo 0]

I do. I certainly wasn't raised that way, but I guess I just like to think you get what you give out. Show people respect and you will get it back. Cops have pulled me over for a broken turn signal wanting to search my car. By the end of it they shook my hand and thanked me for being a gentleman. (I was driving a beat up car, wearing a biker jacket, with long hair, I didn't look the part of a gentleman)

I've actually gotten out of EVERY single encounter with the police by being friendly and showing respect.

_________________________________________
"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Kierkegaard

[waltappel 1]

  Quote

I hear it all the time from my colonial mates... but why would you call anyone who you dont know and will never see again.... Sir/Mam?
It all sounds a bit false and empty, like 'Have nice day'

I've not called anyone sir (apart from when taking the piss) since leaving the forces (didn't actually mean it then either).

Here in Texas (and pretty much all of the southern US) we do it as a matter of courtesy and respect. Along with the handshake, those words still mean something here.

Walt

[bnacrazywoman 0]

It goes with the job.

BN

[JoeyRamone 0]

Respect..Enuff Said.

[Unstable 9]

It depends on the situation and the age of the person who I would be addressing. For Example, a younger lady might get upset at a Mam' whereas a gentleman of any age could do well being called "sir".

=========Shaun ==========