[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

About 10 years ago my dd went to NYC with her small Christian school graduating class for their senior trip. While in a store, she said, "Yes Mam" to a clerk when asked a question. The clerk was astonished and complimented her on her manners. She's raising her small children the same way, as is my son with his boys.

That being said, it really isn't as it used to be in some demographics. There are rude, crude children, and adults swearing in public, which you never used to hear, and profane music being blasted in parking lots at stores. So, no, it's not like it used to be.

There are fewer gentlemen who will protest if other men swear around ladies (my husband, fortunately, is one of those who will politely remove his wife from such situations )but he's a vanishing breed.

[cpdiii]

To the day they passed away I would respond to my grandparents with yes sir, no sir, yes mam, no mam. When I turned 18 I referred to my Uncle Charlie as “Charlie,” it did not go well for me that day. When speaking to a female stranger I always refer to them as mam, regardless of their age. Men my elder are always referred to as sirs.

This is Texas.

[garyhope]

I think it's interesting what you said about the swearing. I was listening to a friend of mine talk last night and noted the swearing and the “f” word and thinking to myself (at the risk of sounding naive) that it didn't sound good and also realizing that I swear too much and use the "F" word (among others) also and thinking I should stop swearing so much or at all period. And I'm guilty of using the “F” word too.

I remember the first time I heard that word as a young man and how shocked I was at hearing it in public.

“Tuscaloosa Goldfinch”? What a great name!