Yes Ma'am

When I was working in the banking world, my co-worker was a very polite and easy going lady.  Everyone loved her, but occasionally she would come across a client that may be rude due to circumstances out of our control.  You all know how much people like to beat up on bankers or any public servant (some of you may do this).  When she got totally frustrated the only sign I could see was what she would say to the client.  Her tone would become very flat and she would always call the man sir.  I f she was dealing with a women (I dare not say Lady), she would always say...Yes Ma'am.  That was her way of saying in her head  Fu#k You.  I knew it was then time for me or someone else to try to step in to diffuse the situation.  Now down here in Tennessee " Yes Ma'am"  is used very commonly , usually it is meant as a sign of respect.  When Terry's friend from Tn. says "Yes Ma'am" with a little grin on his face it makes my heart flutter a little.  Terry could see the affect this had on me and has now tried using this common courtesy.   So why the hell does it sound so sarcastic coming out of his mouth.  I guess it is all in the tone and facial expressions.  So when I say, "can you do this", or "can you do that", I get a "Yes Ma'am" sort of sounds like what my co-worker was trying to say to cranky clients.  Hmmm...just something I should ponder.