Aug wrote --

I don't get that as much as being called "sir", "thank you,
sir" ..when younger people interact with me at the shop. I'm
over 60 but not yet 65, but the "sir" only started 2 years ago.

Having been raised to be a Southern gentleman (this is being polite, respectful, courteous and all that) "sir" and "ma'am" is a natural part of my speech, from a lad to the present day. (And yes, sir and ma'am was used when addressing my parents, who were

The girls - I'd use "little lady".

I call girls I don't know as "young lady" (Good morning young lady",
etc).
Joe
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