I had an interview last Monday for seasonal help at a retail store I think most of my readers would love to work at or better yet have the money to shop there whenever they pleased. I was so wrecked getting ready for the interview. They normally hold group interviews but I got a solo one. Weather this was a good call or not we will see.
The weather had turned suddenly that weekend; what was 80-90 degrees the day before was now in the 50s that morning. The incredibly cute outfit I had been planning on wearing was no longer going to work. So I needed something warm to wear. I grabbed a long blazer coat that was a winner when I was working a more corporate job. Hey, it still wasn't traditional, it was more of a frock coat length, but yes, there were no fun ripply labels, bows, or corsages. However, I was wearing my cool Clark pumps and chocolate brown fishnets.
However, I was also wearing my glasses, which I don't show on my blog but which (I think) age me a few years. So when I walk into the store, the manager lets me know she'll be right with me. And get this? She ends that statement with the dreaded word, ma'am. I'd been "ma'amed"!
And when I left the store later (I looked around after the interview) the sales person at the door (who definitely saw me interviewing) said..." Have a nice day, ma'am"
I window shop there often and have never had them say that before to me. That's not a good sign is it? Damn my wardrobe!
Wish me luck, none-the-less.
I still periodically get Ma'am-ed and I'm not 30 yet. As disheartening as it may be, don't take it personally. Sometimes I think it's just habit.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably store policy, and you didn't notice before. Here in the south, we all use it. It's courteous. Better than "hey you" or "you guys".
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell, there's never been a pattern to whether I'm ma'am or miss. I've been ma'em-ed in my 20s and miss-ed quite recently.
ReplyDeleteI remember the 1st I got ma'amed and the 1st time a small child called me a 'lady'. Funny thing is now, at the grand old age of 38, I don't mind it. Actually I expect it and will get krusty with you if I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteAt least "Ma'am" is respectful...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with getting the job!!!!!!!
I was raised to say ma'am and sir. I'm frequently asked not to call people this, which I find interesting. I'm 24. I'm sure I've been called ma'am on many occasions, but it never sticks out in my mind.
ReplyDeleteI've always seen it as a statement of respect, not age. My nephew is 8, and I have always called him sir.
When did this become a proclamation reserved for elders?
Good luck with the interview! :) I've considered working there myself. Wish there was one closer to Southern Bmore.
Even though I was trained to ma'am and sir everyone, I still find it surprising when people ma'am me. It makes me feel 1,000 years old...
ReplyDelete