My English granny had a fit, when my mother was teaching my oldest brother to say “sir” and “m’am”.
My grandmother insisted that “sir” and “m’am” are for servants. Her reasoning was the people would say “sir” to her grandchildren, but her grandchildren would never be saying “sir” or “m’am” to others.
In our family, we do not use “sir” or “m’am”, but teach our children to be respectful to all, ...even those who may not be respectful to us.
English. of course. That’s why we say “sir” and ma’am” here, we know how to respect. Servants indeed.
You've lost me there. I didn't get the "reasoning."
Now I’m the opposite...I had a TKD teacher in elementary school who emphasized using respectful titles with any adult and it stuck. To this day, even the waitress or clerk is “ma’am” and the guy taking my ticket at the movies is “sir”.
Seems to smooth things over remarkably. Food comes within reasonable time, drinks are topped up, checks are correct, and lines move quickly. Little courtesy goes a very long way.