The Four Ma's

An old couple regardless of cultural background or social status may call each other 'ma' and 'pa,' as terms of endearment. This I don't mind.

The stereotypical urban male will try to get the attention of an attractive woman and call her 'ma' as opposed to 'miss.' THIS I mind. I am not anyones 'ma,' and I have been known to stop in my tracks and snarl my non 'ma' status at such men.

And then there is the third 'ma,' which is an attempt at politeness really bugs me, especially if my significant other [s.o.] is at the register and says 'thanks ma,' to the middle-aged cashier. Why would he call her 'ma?' She's neither a spouse nor some attractive girl. I'm his attractive s.o. and he calls me 'whachudoin?'

Why do men do this? Women don't go around calling strange men 'pa' regardless of their attractive nature or for the sake of being polite.

Men and their freakin "Ma's"

Let's just stick to the first & original 'Ma' which is only reserved for" your mother."