Why did a man whose older than me call me ma'am?

[theoneandonlyqueen]

He's a Hispanic janitor and helped me with some stuff as I was taking the garbage out of my building. I was with my infant. He called me ma'am in the process and he's like 65-68 years old. I really don't like the word ma'am, yes I know I'm not 21 anymore but I am attractive and not a senior citizen. Ma'am is for women 50 and up not 36 in my opinion.

Because he thinks I'm older than 36

Because he was being respectful/nice

Other comment

[josephinelcajon]

I absolutely think it has nothing to do with your age. I am absolutely sure his sole intention is to be nothing but very respectful and polite! A person that uses this phrase has either grown up in the south or is or has been in the military. The military teaches you to use Sir or Ma'am to all civilians

[WhiteSteve]

I’m sure he was just trying to be respectful. But that’s why I always go with “miss” unless you’re an obvious senior citizen. I’d rather offend someone for thinking they were younger than for thinking they were older. And you might just make someone’s day, haha.

[Swe_Elin]

Well, ma'am is a word of respect, told to a female by a gentleman. It's not static to age, so it may be said to all ages.

[guitarguy1995]

Respect.
Are you from up north?

[theoneandonlyqueen]

Yeah why?

[guitarguy1995]

Makes sense. Thats the norm from the south. Its just a respect thing

[theoneandonlyqueen]

Yeah true.

[EssenceOfLight]

Ma'am is abbreviation of Madam, it's polite and formal form of address for a married women in his perception.
I don't think he wanted to insult you.

[Gedaria]

A lot of men refer men as sir The female equivalent is ma'am...

[serious]

I think that is out of respect.

[theoneandonlyqueen]

Actually he could be younger like 50 something and look old.

But how old do I look to you?

[serious]

Between 30-35 years of age.

[OddBeMe]

That’s the only “sir” counterpart there is.