this post was submitted on 09 Dec 2025
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askchapo

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My job has made me so used to calling people "sir" or "ma'am", but wtf to I say to an NB?

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[โ€“] JustSo@hexbear.net 5 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I've had co-workers who absolutely hated it.

I think when you use one of those words that refers to an unbalanced power dynamic it can make people feel a variety of ways you don't necessarily intend.

I'm thinking in particular about a guy I worked with who might have felt it highlighted our age difference, or that he inferred I saw his behavior as domineering and "bossy," or he might have been labor-pilled cuz if we all hate the bosses, it's not a very endearing term to use.

[โ€“] Florn@hexbear.net 1 points 2 weeks ago

Could also come across as sarcastically demeaning