Originally Posted by Epsilon minus
There's some interesting psychological issues in this thread for example the mis-guided notion that - If I address you as Sir I am signalling that I am inferior to you. The real problem here is one of perception of ones demeanor and status, the lower the self esteem the greater the need to shore it up with objections to correct forms of address.
What's the problem with polite address? It doesn't bother the Americans who will even refer to their fathers as Sir.
Get a life be polite address a Captain as Sir or Captain and earn yourself reciprocal respect.
For more information on correct forms of address consult:
1) the Home Office
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind...%20ADDRESS.pdf
2) Debretts
Surely 'EXACTLY' the reverse is true! Those who 'deserve' a term of respect generally receive it.Those who in their estimation believe they are 'owed' respect seldom receive it.
The most odious people with which I have worked always seemed the most status/rank obsessed.