Open Letter to People in the Service Industry:
Dear Servers, Hosts, Valet, and other people that want my tips or to make me buy something:
STOP calling me ma'am. Why on earth would you think I would want you to call me ma'am? Not long ago I was your age or you are probably about the same age as me so stop calling me ma'am. I already feel old, out of the prime of my life, feel like I have done nothing and yet you think the way to better tips or make a sale is to call me ma'am. I don't look old. Most of the time I think I look 12 years old. Every time you call me ma'am your tip goes down. It is that simple. I understand that your boss, your mother, someone has drilled into you that good customer service means people respectful. But don't call at 26 year old girl ma'am.
I just don't need an 18 year old server at the Three Dollar Cafe (maybe last night) thinking I'm the oldest thing ever and calling me ma'am. I just can't take it.
Here is the rule about calling someone ma'am: Unless you are 100% certain I am old enough to be your mother... just don't do it. Don't do it.
For the sake of my sanity (cause one day I will snap), for the sake of your tips and for the sake of all things holy please stop calling me ma'am.
STOP calling me ma'am. Why on earth would you think I would want you to call me ma'am? Not long ago I was your age or you are probably about the same age as me so stop calling me ma'am. I already feel old, out of the prime of my life, feel like I have done nothing and yet you think the way to better tips or make a sale is to call me ma'am. I don't look old. Most of the time I think I look 12 years old. Every time you call me ma'am your tip goes down. It is that simple. I understand that your boss, your mother, someone has drilled into you that good customer service means people respectful. But don't call at 26 year old girl ma'am.
I just don't need an 18 year old server at the Three Dollar Cafe (maybe last night) thinking I'm the oldest thing ever and calling me ma'am. I just can't take it.
Here is the rule about calling someone ma'am: Unless you are 100% certain I am old enough to be your mother... just don't do it. Don't do it.
For the sake of my sanity (cause one day I will snap), for the sake of your tips and for the sake of all things holy please stop calling me ma'am.