Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The "M" word

I was cashing a check the other day and the teller used the "M" word on me. That's right, she called me "Mrs."

I should have cashed in my youth card along with the check. I have been married for nearly eight years now. I have three kids, a minivan, and a mortgage. But still, I actually checked my reflection in the minivan window after I loaded the kids in. Were my laugh lines laughing at me more than usual today, to make the teller address me in such a matronly way?

Maybe it's because we live in the twenty-first century, when people are less formal and don't use their last names to address each other much anymore. Or maybe it's because the less familial status-charged title of Ms. has become more popular. Or maybe it's because I think of myself as "Kaylie" rather than "Mrs." Whatever the reason, it was jarring, to say the least.

"Mrs." is what they called my mother when I was growing up. Not me.

Besides, truth be told, secretly I'm not a thirtysomething mother of three. Oh, no, I'm actually a wild, independent college girl in my early twenties (masquerading as a woman with a couple of grey hairs hiding underneath the brown). That's honestly how I think of myself. And I probably will forever.

I remember a story my mom told me about my grandma. Grandma was in her late eighties, crossing the street. And a couple of construction workers called out, "Hey! Watch out for the little old lady crossing the street," and Grandma looked around to see who they were talking about.

She was probably still adjusting to being called "Mrs.", too.

3 comments:

Christie said...

Not the dreaded "M" word! I know exactly what you mean. Remember when we were kids and our parents were our age. They were so OLD! Now we are them and I don't feel a day over 21. Unless I'm pregnant. Which I'm not. :)

Kari said...

I know what you mean. Here in the "south" people regularly address you as "Ma'am" or "Miss Kari" which is funny enough but I have been called Mrs. Meyer a few times and it is a weird feeling. I do feel really old though whenever I realize that most of my friends are in their early 40's. The rest of the time I'm like you and feel like I'm 21. So strange.

Tara Oliver said...

yeah, don't we all? :) today at a toy store, I was referred to as a "lady." that felt kinda weird. I hate getting old. especially since I'm of the 20-something age that doesn't even exist because people skip right to 30. hmph.