I went to grab some food today and the girl working the counter (with whom I’ve interacted before, we’re cool) called me “sir”, which is something she’s done on the regular. It’s just her way of showing respect, and that’s cool.
But for whatever reason, it always feels weird to me when someone calls me “sir” – I’m 37, but I don’t “feel” like a “sir”, I guess I hear “sir” and I think of a refined, dapper dude who is an adult and has all his shit together, has a commanding presence, a certain demeanor, etc. I’m none of that! I’m just a kid playing adult. I feel like I don’t merit a “sir”, always feels weird to me.
What about you guys? You feel the same? You feel different? Indifferent?
43 comments
With a smile. But I die a little inside.
I’m fine with it. It’s short, simple, and what else is a stranger going to address me as?
When I was substitute teacher, I was called *mister* (no last name, just that). As in, “Hey, mister.” That always felt very weird and also anachronous, like it was 1950.
Indifferent. Most of these people that work those jobs probably don’t even want to talk like that, they’re being coached to by Corporate.
I’m 40, and worked around kids in my 20s. Been called Sir for over a decade and I don’t mind at all.
I respond with calling them sir/ma’am back.
I don’t particularly mind being called sir, but I’ll at least acknowledge it by reciprocation and will call them sir/ma’am back. It sometimes take them by surprise but in a good way and I hope it makes them feel respected too for doing their job.
I play golf and remember being called “sir” in pro shops when I was like 17. So I’ve gotten used to it and it’s not weird imo.
“You’re goddamn right”
Couldn’t care less. Some just use it like a friendly term to anybody. Doesn’t mean anything
I use sir/ma’am all the time. Maybe it’s a habit left over from the military, but I think it’s respectful regardless. I was an officer in the military so I am used to being called sir as well. It doesn’t phase me to hear it or use it.
I used it at the post office yesterday to a nine year old boy. “Thank you, young sir.”
Good, someone taught them proper respect
Respect has no age limit; older or younger. Being adressed and addressing men as Sir is something I never shy. 6, 16, or 60 — to me its polite and respectful.
I call people sir all the time. Half as a joke but it comes across genuine. If you call me sir I’ll return the greeting.
Shit, I’m southern. I’ve been called sir by people since I was born.
I don’t mind “sir.” It’s been something I’ve grown up with.
But I absolutely die inside when people refer to me as Grandpa when I’m out with my kids. Yes, my hair is mostly gray at 47. Yes, the kids are all under 10. But that’s just a dagger in the guts.
First time it wasn’t by a store employee was on a job site and this new guy called me sir. I had to ask him if he was calling me sir by some sort of irony and he said no. Then it sunk in that I was really becoming an old guy from their perspective.
I (30M) hear it all the time.
not sure if it’s my bald head and muscular stature, or if it’s simply a sign of respect from others.
the way I look at it is, what else would they title me as besides “sir”, in a professional setting?
I bow and say thank you kind person.
I just own it. The day I turned 40 the universe must have told planet earth because it’s been sir ever since.
It’s just good manners, I call everyone at work sir. Good morning sir, gooday sir, gentlemen « nods head ».
“Just once I’d like someone to call me ‘Sir’ without adding, ‘You’re making a scene.'”
I manage 43 people. Some call me sir out of respect for either me or my position. It doesnt phase me at all.
Better than “boss”
Better than when I was 14 and the GameStop guy called me ma’am over the phone
One time I didn’t get carded because “anyone wearing a Less than Jake shirt is at least 40” … So yeah, I’m fine with sir.
I’m from the south – I call every guy “sir” and every gal “ma’am”
I expect it. I’m a grown adult and I deserve that level of respect from strangers.
I look behind me, wondering who they’re referring to.
I laugh a little and wonder when i will begin to think of myself as an adult. Almost 39, but often feeling closer to 25 in terms of where i am in life. I don’t mind it, but i thought i would have more of my shit together by now.
Idgaf. I worked for the military for a decade and it was a lot of sir and ma’am. Some people really don’t like it (more women would say “I’m not a ma’am” than guys saying anything about sir but there were some). It is a respect thing and I’d rather be Sir than sweetie
I’m cool with it, but I call everyone who services me a “sir” or “ma’am” even younger retail workers. I was just brought up with old school southern manners (even though Im from Michigan).
i yell ” ITS MR.SIR!”
Beats being called “asshole”
Isn’t that just someone being polite/respectful? I think you’re reading way to much into a simple and general honorific.
I assume they want to show me respect, and allow them to. There are also some businesses that require employees to call everyone sir or ma’am, so…
I prefer “Your Royal Highness,” but that gets cumbersome.
I remember having the same feeling of oddity when I was younger. These days, it’s just normal.
Don’t care, I got real problems.
Don’t call me “Sir”, I work for a living
I like it.
To me, it shows me that the person I am speaking to is polite, and respectful. And a person like that deserves the same in return.
I’m 55. I do get younger men who call me sir, and I take it as a good form of respect. Again, I give it right back.
I know that this guy will hope for the same thing when he is my age, and he will appreciate the guys who give him the respect.
It’s a game where you need to pay in advance, and I appreciate the guys who can do it.
Fine. It’s a sign of respect and manners.
I’m 53 and I physically wince.
Booo, no thank you.
These kids left a gate open at the dog park the other day and I yelled “AY, CLOSE THE GATE”. I was expecting “oh my bad got it”.
What I got was “OH! Sorry sir!”.
Bro. No. Im “my bad man”, “sorry bruh got it”, “oh shit good call” age.