Reply #35: No, it is deferential regard. [View All]

[dmr]

I was raised to show appreciation or consideration to those I meet along the way. Though I don't use it here online, I do address my elders, and my youngers, and people in the stores and on the phone, for example, as "sir", "ma'am", or "miss"; just as I say "thank you", "please" and "you're welcome".

There was a time, way back when, when I thought it was stuffy, and maybe even a bit insincere. But, thankfully, I soon learned, that a show of friendly respect from one human being to another is actually very nice. The kindness is usually returned.
:)