re: How old is too old to say "yes sir/no sir"?

I’m 42.. those much older are in a possession of respect for the situation always get the air and mam

I say it almost everyone whether it be the cashier at the grocery store or someone at work. It is just manners and how I was raised, but I believe in showing someone respect if it is earned regardless of their age or position of influence. If someone is trying to earn a honest dollar then to me that should be commended and respect shown. I have had people get upset (mostly women), but that is their cross to bear not mine.

I'm 49 and still have manners so yes.

Never. Always show respect. I tell people younger than me, yes/no ma'am and yes/no sir.

I say yes sir/mam to the kid working at Starbucks or McDonalds. It’s about being polite and civil in society.

I could never say sir or ma’am to a manager. If you work closely with them, it kinda becomes homogenous. There was one guy at work who said “sir” and “ma’am” and he was told repeatedly that he made people uncomfortable and he needed to stop.

Also, I could never say “ma’am’ it ‘sir’ to my parents. My dad hated the word sir and if someone tried to call them that, he would react annoyed with them. He strongly didn’t believe in using titles of any kind. Only first names. He thought anything else was anti-social.

I have all but stopped using it in my professional life. It is not very well received in the DC area (albeit in my anecdotal experience). I am more likely to use it with direct co-workers and it is used more in a respectful friendly way. As if replacing "buddy" or "friend".

Co-worker: "got a second to send that introduction for me"
Me: "yes sir, will do!"

I still use it in my personal life. Especially with family/old friends and when dealing with people in service positions. I think it builds a nice rapport and keeps people from spitting in your food.

Never. I always say it, unless I don't respect someone....

quote:

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Saying “sir” simply because they’re older than you is not giving them respect. It’s a token acknowledgment that they are older than you and that you like to jerk yourself over the idea that you’re so “respectful.”

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You sound like a guy that treats waitstaff like shite and tips 4%.

I usually go even further and refer to people I really respect as boss, chief, or slick.