Changing boundaries

Remember when we were growing up and friends parents were 'Mr and Mrs', neighbours/shop keepers/whoever were 'Mr and Mrs' (unless they were titled of course ).

I don't know if it was the same for you, but when I became a certain age (ie adult) it suddenly changed. It seemed a matter of course that those same people wished me to call them by their christian names.

I found it quite difficult initially to be on 'friendly' terms with those I almost thought of as 'authoritative' - it felt disrespectful.

It seems to be the norm now to call adults by their christian name. Do your children's partners etc or young people call you by your christian name?

Re: Changing boundaries

I don't think I have ever called anyone by their surname apart from when I was at school.

Re: Changing boundaries

I was a bit taken aback when the Amazon delivery man called me Meg

In most instances, I don't mind, my DIL calls me Meg. I called my MIL Mother .

Re: Changing boundaries

It wouldn't surprise me, Meg, if Amazon have adopted the seemingly new policy of being "gender neutral". Perhaps 'Mr and Mrs' have been outlawed in case you happened to be offended.
The world has gone nuts.

Re: Changing boundaries

A little tale from earlier today.
I was in our local convenience store. The lady ahead of me was short by three pence. I put a five pence on the counter.
"Give the change to Mac" she said. That's me. Mac.
I don't know how she knew my name. People gossip and I'm the guy with the big black and white dog I guess.

Re: Changing boundaries

Isn't it funny, I couldn't have done that Meg. Feels odd calling someone 'Mother' who isn't.
I called me 3 sets of in-laws by their christian names.

Re: Changing boundaries

Apart from friends I always referred politely to people as Mr or Mrs,

Now, my Bank Manager and Solicitor, and Accountant insist I use their Christian names., and refer to me by my Cristian Name too

We are all chums together., and I have had to get used to this familiarity.

Re: Changing boundaries

Owner of dogs are always remembered by their dogs aren't they?

Re: Changing boundaries

Pesta I never knew my mother she died when I was a baby and I got on well with my MIL who considered me to be one of her daughters so calling her Mother seemed appropriate

Re: Changing boundaries

I remember as an older child calling all adults who were friends parents Mr & Mrs.
Adult cousins & second cousins by their Christian names, uncles or aunts by their Christian names with uncle or aunt in front.
My Daughter now 47 still calls my brother & Sis-in-Law uncle & aunt & my Brother-in-Law uncle, I have no idea why she still calls them that still, but his ex wife she calls Lyn.