I have been wanting to write this article for a long time now. It is for all the 50+ year-old men out there that are tired of being called “sir” at seemingly every opportunity.

It happens everywhere. At the grocery store, at the gym, and at the Dunkin’ drive-In take-out window. I inevitably hear those three words I have grown to hate: “thank you sir.”  They are the worst thing a 60-something guy can hear. They just make us feel even older.

There is no need for the added “sir.” What is its purpose? Does the world feel a need to acknowledge the age of someone in ordinary daily interactions, and give us due respect? We just want to be average, with no “old” label. I would really like it much better if someone just said “hey you” than “excuse me, sir.” Remember that we were once young like you. The only difference is that with our age we don’t look like we belong on the cover of GQ.  Keep in mind you’ll be there one day too, just like us.

My wife keeps telling me that the “sir” is just a sign of respect. You might agree, but I don’t believe it.  I would personally much rather look young than be the recipient of this dreaded three-letter word.  And for all you 60-something women out there: do you enjoy being called ma’am? Or would you really want to be called almost anything else?  C’mon, tell the truth!

I am 63 years old, but feel nothing like I thought I would feel at my age. On the inside I still feel like I’m 30. And I certainly don’t feel like a “sir.” I go to the gym a lot, and am a runner and triathlete. I have even done seven ironman triathlons since turning 50. But yes, it’s a little scary looking in the mirror sometimes. Every year the lines in my face get a little deeper, my hair recedes a little more, and the “sirs” get more frequent.

It’s funny, lately I have been getting called sir by people that are much older than me. Say, in their 80’s. That really adds insult to injury. Do they really think I look older than them? Ouch! I think I would rather get assaulted than tolerate another “sir.”

I am a retired military officer, where I was used to getting called sir by staff junior to me. That was fine; it was just military courtesy.  But this is different. I have been retired for quite a while now, and it is still happening, but now with a different intent.

So, the next time you feel the urge to call someone “sir,” please resist the temptation. Rest assured that you’ll be doing us all a favor.

John Natale is a 60-something guy from East Haddam that doesn’t feel like a “sir.”

https://www.courant.com/2025/09/19/opinion-call-me-anything-in-ct-but-please-dont-call-me-sir/