I overheard the phone conversation of a work colleague the other day, at least I only actually heard what he was saying. The thing that made me listen was ‘you don’t need to call me sir‘ and after a short pause he continued ‘you don’t have to say sir to be respectful‘.

Everyone in service roles will automatically call me sir. Similarly a woman will always be called ma’am. If J and I are together, it’s ‘Good morning sir/ma’am‘, the sir/ma’am being said as if it is a single word.

In return for this deferential treatment I always try and be polite, but it is quite common for expects to be over appreciative for the smallest assistance. ‘Thank you soooo much‘…