When should Mr. or Mrs/Ms. be used?

[Azndude51]

Often times I don't really know when to use the titles Mr/Mrs/Ms. Usually, I'll only use it when the person is more than 15-20 years older and/or if the person is in a higher positions like my boss or something. Otherwise, I'll just call the person by the first name. Is this appropriate or should I call anyone older than me by their title and only by their first name when told?

 

[mercanucaribe]

I never call anyone Mr. or Mrs., and don't say their names, so I avoid it entirely. Problem solved!

 

[Phokus]

"HEY YOU!"

 

[Juno]

Originally posted by: Phokus
"HEY YOU!"

 

[newnameman]

Originally posted by: Phokus
"HEY YOU!"

FTW

 

[FallenHero]

Sir or Maam always works instead of their names...at least for me. I only started calling people by their first names at work when they told me to call them that. I believe they need to see you as an equal (if they are significantly older) before you start up on their first names.

 

[Azndude51]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
I never call anyone Mr. or Mrs., and don't say their names, so I avoid it entirely. Problem solved!

It feels kind of weird not to address anyone by their names.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

QUIT CALLING ME SIR!

</Peanuts>

 

[everman]

It depends on who you are talking to and what level of formality is required for the situation and if they have any other kind of title. It's generally better to go with a bit more formal title, even if they they are not officially that title. IE: Profs in college who are not PHDs still don't mind being called "doctor" usually, and the ones who earned the title "doctor" seem to prefer it while others don't care very much.
Bottom line: It's better to err on the more "respectful" side.

 

[IronWing]

The South has a great way to handle this. Since you're not writing it down use Mizz when addressing all of the female persuasion. Depending on the level of formality needed you can use Mizz Pauline or Mizz Smith. The beauty is that there is no reference to marital status so there is no need to guess.

 

[panipoori]

I feel weird when people my own age call me sir, usually i call people 10-20 years older then myself sir/maam, just out of respect. People who i work with i will go by their first name, becasue calling them mr/mrs all the time would be odd.

 

[2Xtreme21]

The thing I have the biggest problem with is professors who sign their emails and such with their first names...

Is the salutation in an email cue enough to call someone by their first name?

 

[simms]

Mr. and Ms.

I think Mrs. is married, Miss is not.. so Ms. is for either?

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: simms
Mr. and Ms.

I think Mrs. is married, Miss is not.. so Ms. is for either?

Yep, but no period for Ms


Edit: Must have something to do with menopause.

 

[Lotheron]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
The thing I have the biggest problem with is professors who sign their emails and such with their first names...

Is the salutation in an email cue enough to call someone by their first name?

Always sir or ma'am. Show some respect.

 

[Lotheron]

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: simms
Mr. and Ms.

I think Mrs. is married, Miss is not.. so Ms. is for either?

Yep, but no period for Ms


Edit: Must have something to do with menopause.

Ms is unmarried, but if you aren't aware, it's applicable for both. I've not ever seen anyone get upset over using Ms. If you are unsure, ma'am works too.

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: Lotheron

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
The thing I have the biggest problem with is professors who sign their emails and such with their first names...

Is the salutation in an email cue enough to call someone by their first name?

Always sir or ma'am. Show some respect.

Always Sir or MISS... many younger ladies are uptight about being called "Ma'am" because it makes them feel old.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: Lotheron

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: simms
Mr. and Ms.

I think Mrs. is married, Miss is not.. so Ms. is for either?

Yep, but no period for Ms


Edit: Must have something to do with menopause.

Ms is unmarried, but if you aren't aware, it's applicable for both. I've not ever seen anyone get upset over using Ms. If you are unsure, ma'am works too.

Ms was coined specifically to apply to all women regardless of marital status in the same way Mr. is used with men.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Just remember you never call him Chuck. It's Mr. Norris.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Injury

Originally posted by: Lotheron

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
The thing I have the biggest problem with is professors who sign their emails and such with their first names...

Is the salutation in an email cue enough to call someone by their first name?

Always sir or ma'am. Show some respect.

Always Sir or MISS... many younger ladies are uptight about being called "Ma'am" because it makes them feel old.

I generally will never call a professor by his/her first name unless explicitly given the option. Otherwise, it's always either Dr. or Ms/Mr., depending on appropriateness. They've earned the degree, so in my opinion, they've earned the right to the title as well.

 

[Alone]

I just use last names.

 

[shortylickens]

I call four-year-old girls ma'am.
They dont mind but it drives their parent NUTS!

Then I usually go and call her grandma "sweetie". :laugh:

 

[preslove]

Dude = Mr.
Honey pie=Ms. (pronounced Mizz)

At least that's the politically correct way. Mrs. and Miss can be offensive to some honey pies.

 

[Mrfrog840]

I prefer the term "guy"

 

[PHiuR]

Originally posted by: Whisper

Originally posted by: Injury

Originally posted by: Lotheron

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
The thing I have the biggest problem with is professors who sign their emails and such with their first names...

Is the salutation in an email cue enough to call someone by their first name?

Always sir or ma'am. Show some respect.

Always Sir or MISS... many younger ladies are uptight about being called "Ma'am" because it makes them feel old.

I generally will never call a professor by his/her first name unless explicitly given the option. Otherwise, it's always either Dr. or Ms/Mr., depending on appropriateness. They've earned the degree, so in my opinion, they've earned the right to the title as well.

I just call them Professor (blank) instead of Mr/Ms.