Standing in line at the checkout counter, some years back, the woman ahead of me yelled something very rude at the teenage cashier who had called her "ma'am." The woman had taken offense at what she obviously hadn't realized was a show of politeness where we live.
I think it was Helen Mirren who had a line in a movie, I forgot which, in which she says, "Don't call me 'ma'am,' I'm not the bloody Queen!"
Well, I don't mind being called ma'am by the kid at the cash register, or the door being held open for me by the elderly stranger, or my chair being held by my hubby or the maitre d'. I was raised to believe that a lady should act like one and I see no reason why ladylike behavior should be dropped under the auspices of being "strong." If more women behaved like ladies and taught their daughters the same, perhaps we wouldn't have such rudeness running rampant among our young people; and, perhaps, our young men would take notice and shape up, as well. I can proudly say my sons are gentlemen.
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Standing in line at the checkout counter, some years back, the woman ahead of me yelled something very rude at the teenage cashier who had called her "ma'am." The woman had taken offense at what she obviously hadn't realized was a show of politeness where we live.
I think it was Helen Mirren who had a line in a movie, I forgot which, in which she says, "Don't call me 'ma'am,' I'm not the bloody Queen!"
Well, I don't mind being called ma'am by the kid at the cash register, or the door being held open for me by the elderly stranger, or my chair being held by my hubby or the maitre d'. I was raised to believe that a lady should act like one and I see no reason why ladylike behavior should be dropped under the auspices of being "strong." If more women behaved like ladies and taught their daughters the same, perhaps we wouldn't have such rudeness running rampant among our young people; and, perhaps, our young men would take notice and shape up, as well. I can proudly say my sons are gentlemen.
Ladylike does not equate to weakness.
April 30, 2008 - 7:25pmThis Comment
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