DEAR MISS MANNERS: I came across this statement on a social media page: “I hate being called ‘ma’am.’ Some people think it is respectful, but it is NOT; it is ignorance speaking. I know they don’t know any better, but I have little tolerance for it.”

I truly did think that using “ma’am” was a show of respect. Have I been wrong all these years? Why is it impolite?

GENTLE READER: It is respectful. But some people want to forgo respect in the vain hope of being taken for younger.

Miss Manners has noticed that nothing says Crabby Old Age so clearly as indignation at being treated respectfully.

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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com ; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syn

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