I hate to be called mam. I much prefer being addressed, “Madame,” as they do in France.

How elegant is that? Oui.

Mam, defined states it is a term of respect for a woman, but to me it conjures up images of slavery making me immediately sad. Slavery brings up ideas of suppression and torture. But when I ask to not be called that I get an even more concerning response.

“I’m sorry I was beaten every time I didn’t address a woman in this way. I can’t stop it now.”

Something to think about.