The Arbitrary Sir

[DowntownAmber]

Another thread where the variety of responses eventually point to the same conclusion: to each his own.

So, for the sake of the overall average, I'll throw in my two cents as well...

No, I don't apply "Sir" or "Ma'am" to anyone in chat or on the Forums as my "default sub setting." I refer to everyone by the moniker they selected until such time as we develop a close enough relationship to warrant the use of a nickname, real name, or title. If the person has selected "SirFillInTheBlankHere" as their Forum name, I don't drop the "Sir" portion in a fit or self-righteous indignation, but it certainly doesn't mean much as it is still just part of a name and not any sort of title beyond that. All I initially know about the person on the other side of my monitor is that they have just enough computer savvy to find and register for a kinky website, and I simply need more information before proceeding with titles and such.

Contrary to how that explanation may sound, however, who I refer to as "Sir" or "Ma'am" ultimately has less to do with the other person than it has to do with my own personality. Me being called "Ma'am" or "pet" or whatever else another chooses to apply to me, also has more to do with that person than with myself, and I respond to it thusly.

Truly, to each his own on this one and I am frankly neither impressed nor insulted with titles until I come to understand the person bestowing them on me or requesting them from me.