When engaging a woman who is a stranger (as opposed to a strange woman, ha ha) in conversation, regardless of the capacity, I beg of you, make her day. When every fiber of your being wants to call her "ma'am" go for "miss" instead. Just trust me on this one. Unless you are a soldier and have a female superior officer--or for children raised in the south who must address adult females in this manner under penalty of death--use "miss" over "ma'am" EVERY time.
I was on campus, leaving my evening course, watching one of our muscular staties (yep, we have STATE cops as our security, bazinga!) lock the door I needed, so I asked if I could still get out this way. This led to a pleasant 20 second conversation, where I really have no idea what was said. Did I mention muscular? And cop? Oh, and, like 25? I'm 44. The hormones are popping over my head like a 15 year old boy. Don't judge me. A little fantasy is healthy, and I always bring it home, if you know what I mean.
Then it happened.
The boy ma'amed me. He MA'AMED me.
That is just like a cold shower of truth and injustice on my interlude of sweetness and light.
So men, whether you know it or not, you too may be the object of a little healthy brain work. Do NOT ruin the moment by bringing out the polite, yet soul-crushing MA'AM if you know what's good for you. That's my PSA of the day.
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