SoapZone Community Message Board

As an English major, my initial reaction to someone naming themself with a plural pronoun (they/them) was NO. Grammar says NO to that. But I’m also aware that language is constantly changing, so I can live with that change.

My problem is that, as a polite Southern girl, I routinely address strangers as ma’am and sir. As in “Thank you, ma’am,” or “Excuse me, sir.” Only I am now aware that, despite their appearance, the people I’m addressing may not identify with “ma’am” or “sir.” I’m trying to do better, but it’s HARD after decades of being old-fashioned polite.