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There are other things I noticed are different. The cost of dairy products is incredibly higher down here. Milk in central IL was around $2 a year ago. I'm lucky anytime I can find it on sale for less than $4. Cheese and butter are similarly priced. One of Chill's friends told me it is because there is an extra tax on dairy products, but I haven't done the research to find out if that is true.
The traffic lights are set differently. It took me a while to get used to the idea that if I wanted to turn left I should not inch into the intersection. Although there appear to be many vehicles that fly on through after the light turns red (that's not particularly different), I am not brave enough to join their ranks. I don't think the insurance would pay off much on my car once it gets smushed up in an accident where I am ticketed for being stupid. And I have little desire to test my theory.
People use titles when speaking with each other more frequently than I am used to. When I grew up children were expected to address teachers as Mr, Mrs, or Miss--and later Ms. Adults addressed other adults by first name, unless in special circumstances--like being ticketed. In that case you address the police officer as officer. And adults who were students were expected to address their professors with titles. In the South the more formal address is much more common. Politeness reigns, but whereas I would have addressed my friend's parents as Mr and Mrs Lastname, my daughter is expected to learn some first names and use them with the titles. And it seems that she is to address the mothers by Miss Firstname, but the fathers by Mr Lastname.
I'm hoping that we moved down here while she was young enough that she can make the adjustment before insulting too many of her friends' parents. She does seem a bit resistant to the change, though. Mommy is attempting to make the change along with her. My problem is that I haven't quite gotten the rules regarding adults down pat, yet. For kids it is easy. Anyone who is an adult is on the list. For adults it's not so easy. All older adults can be successfully addressed in this way, but some who are not older and even some who are younger should also be afforded this courtesy. And others (posibly displaced northerners?) get insulted by the courtesy, so you don't win by using this as your default. But I'll keep trying.
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jewel tones was the theme
7 comments:
"It is a puzzlement."
-------The King, "The King & I"
lit--thanks for your continued support!
I get that here in the Midwest, but typically from members of the church-going African American community. Back when I took ballet, we always addressed our teachers as Miss Firstname or Mr. Firstname. Curiously, I get mail from my dad addressed to Mrs. Firstname Lastname - I would have thought he'd use the Dr. title if anyone would.
Jaz, the only times you use Mr. Firstname are with hairdressers and ballet teachers. Draw your own conclusion.
I never have liked being called Miss Goo, but appreciate that parents are attempting to instill good manners. With the exception of Sunday school teachers, I still tell children to stick to Mr./Mrs./Miss Lastname until invited to use a first name alone. I'm a holdout.
Lit, you'll be happy to know I've often been complimented on my ability to introduce people correctly.
Plug, I use the Dr. title when I mail stuff to you.
what a maze of manners you have to traipse through! j may want to rethink the whole 'let's relocate to north carolina' thing he's been going through off and on for the last 3 years. my mouth just may get my butt shot. lol
i remember calling most of the adults 'sister-first name' or 'brother-first name'. the older adults usually went by 'miss/mr-first and last name'
no wonder i didn't talk much back then, i didn't know what the hell to call anyone! lol
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