One of the things that I first caught onto when I met my hubby was is ingrained ability to insert “yes sir” or “yes ma’am” when talking to any adult. You see, growing up in a military family I guess that is one of the requirements to surviving. Now, me on the other hand grew up in a family that called adults by their gasp first name and only allowed the phrase “yes sir/ma’am” come out of my mouth when held at gun point (not really but you get the point). My family was a very casual family and therefore was never trained in the sir’s or ma’am’s.
At first every time I heard the Hubs address people it caught me off guard, not because of the use of those polite words, but because of the fact that it simply rolled off his tongue without him even thinking about it! Then I met his family (now my family too) and I saw what a big part being polite and respectful was in their family which included using “sir” and ma’am when addressing an adult. I don’t mean to sound at all like my family was rude or impolite, we just weren’t as formal. Anyways, now being married into the military I see even more what a huge part these two titles play in this new life! I am embarrassed to admit that we have been married now 2 1/2 years and I am no closer to using those regal words than I was when I first met the hubs! It’s not that I am trying to be disrespectful or anything, I just think about it after the fact and then am like “shoot I should have said yes sir instead of yeah”!
Which brings me to the reason that I am writing this post…I need accountability people! Maybe by telling all you out there that I am committing to ingraining these words into my brain too will actually force me at gun point make me do it! I am starting to see now that it is not only a way to respect to the person I am talking to but also to show respect to the hubs, since after all I am representing him in all that I do on base.
I also really want our kids to grow up with the same respectful manner that the hubs did and it will only confuse them if he is saying it and I am not (and just for the record we are not pregnant yet)! I really do feel that there are many different ways to raise your kids to be respectful (and a lot of it is guided by the type of lifestyle you family has), but for us I see this as a vital part of the Reno family that needs to not be overlooked!
Wish me luck folks, ask me how I’m doing, do anything you feel you need to in order to nag make sure I am doing my part in this military family :) thanks ladies!!
What are some of the important things in your family?
Yes ma'am! I will hold you accountable;)
ReplyDeleteHey there, I'm from the south, so people are accustomed to saying that. I think it's good to get your kids to say that because it makes them look very polished and such. You don't want them to look tacky in front of other adults. So, work on it. It'll be worth it! :) haha.
ReplyDeleteWe're the same way. The hubs drops sir like it's his job. It's a learned behavior for me, though.
ReplyDeleteI find myself saying yes sir and mam in the professional world, but I hate it because it sometimes ages whomever I am speaking to. SO, I try to still be incredibly respectful and hold off on the sirs!
ReplyDeleteI'm really not sure how I started up the "sirs" & "ma'am's" but I do it with everyone now... and yet I couldn't tell you anyone's name after I meet them... so terrible with names... Just keep it in focus and you'll get there!
ReplyDeleteI'm from the midwest, and even though we are considered very polite, we do not use the Sir's & Ma'am's. Though, I do know quite a few military guys who use it like it's their job. so, I suppose it depends on how you grew up. Our family is very casual as well, so we just use names.
ReplyDeletehaha...my parents totally drilled that in me! No "yeah's" were allowed in my family...it had to be yes ma'am or no ma'am...it was soo annoying as a kid!!
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to "bible study it" with you and do a little costo run together! Your'e the best:)
Yes, I definitely grew up in the kind of family where "yessir" and "yes'm" was drilled into you! I appreciate it now and think I want to teach my kids to do the same.
ReplyDeleteMy family is really casual too, and Big Man's fam is a little more formal...I do say yes sir and ma'am to my elders but not so much my family.
ReplyDeleteMy family raised me with pleases and thank yous and to this day I use them all of the time. I have never been around the Sirs and Mams but that is great that you want to raise your kids like that and have them have wonderful manners! I would say just start practicing now and I am sure it will stick in your mind. The fact that you care about it is a wonderful start! :) Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments love on my blog, you are such a lovely friend!
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