I usually use Sir and Ma'am. My grandchildren and all their friends have been taught to address adults as "Miss Mary" or "Mr Pete", this includes their school teachers. I hadn't heard that form of address until moving south, and here it's common.
This is much easier in Spanish. The way one addresses someone shows respect or convey formality. Formality can be shown by using the first name but also the formal "usted", or putting "Don" before the first name, as in Don Diego. Doñita is a polite and respectful way to address an older woman. A woman is never referred to as "Señora" unless she has been introduced as such, otherwise it is always Señorita.
My in-laws were never anything other than "Señor & Señora" and always "usted".
This is much easier in Spanish. The way one addresses someone shows respect or convey formality. Formality can be shown by using the first name but also the formal "usted", or putting "Don" before the first name, as in Don Diego. Doñita is a polite and respectful way to address an older woman. A woman is never referred to as "Señora" unless she has been introduced as such, otherwise it is always Señorita.
My in-laws were never anything other than "Señor & Señora" and always "usted".
Last edited: