Society's outdated ideas

Perhaps it has already been said, but i say it is apparent that simple decent common sense etiquette no longer has a place in today's society. i guess parents are too afraid to say 'no' to their children and correct their behaviour.

True, etiquette rules have changed a lot. It used to be considered respectful to call a woman "ma'am." Now a lot of women take it as an insult. It used to be considered rude to wear a hat indoors, especially at the table, but nowadays people don't care about that.

Call me a snob but I admit I still care. Hats don't belong at the dinner table and proper table manners and eating skills are important. Children misbehaving at a restaurant table is inexcusable.

I know what you mean about the use of 'ma'am' and 'sir'. I was raised to use these terms for any adult of whom you don't know their last name or to which you are subordinate to. This was further drilled into me by nine years in the military. Now people get really quite offended and I don't know why. How is being respectful insulting? What would you prefer I call you if I don't know you? "Hey you!"

No, not "Hey you!" - "dude!"

"Hey dude! Wanna go to a movie?"

And dude is used for either male or female.

I'm so with you on the "ma'am" and "sir." I have personally SEEN women get all upset at being called "ma'am." When did it get to be a bad thing to show respect? Some of them have the idea that only old women are called "ma'am," so I've just told them they're old. No. Not old. Merely adult. What's wrong with suggesting that you're no longer a child, but an adult, and should be respected as one?

I was also raised to call people Mr. and Miss or Mrs. Then I started getting, "Mr. Jones is my father. Call me Bob." Sometimes they get REALLY offended at being called Mr. or Miss instead of by their first names. Why? Because I've just insinuated that they're stuffy and distant and overly formal, rather than being young and cool and hip.

Yes. Those rules change all the time, and it's hard to keep up.