Probably one of the things my parents meant when they said, "Just you wait."

My son has grown up being taught to say yes m'am, no m'am, yes sir, no sir, the same way I was. It's the norm in the south. It was how we were taught to address parents, grandparents, and teachers. And also police officers and state troopers, even if they are fifteen years younger.

It's about respect.

When The Child says, "Yes," to something I ask and his response is pleasant and respectful, I don't quibble over the "m'am" part; I'm no Mommy Dearest with the wire hangers about it.

The other day a group of folks were standing around. A mother called her son's name. He is about 11 years old. He snarled, "What?!", loudly, in response. His mother didn't seem taken aback or angry at his response. Actually, she didn't even seem to notice.

I couldn't help but think that I really, I mean really, hope The Child doesn't entertain the notion of talking to me like that in a couple of years. My next thought was how my dad would haved reacted had I ever responded like that to him or my mother.

The next thought after that was: Lo, I am old. I sound like an uptight, over-starched, prissy old person!

When did that happen? And how?? I didn't get the memo.

My hands flew to both sides of face and I wagged my head around a bit.

(I stand by my original reaction, though. That kid was rude.)