DEAR MISS MANNERS: When answering the phone, what is the proper etiquette when unsure of the gender on the other line? Are you to take a guess, or not use the traditional "sir" or "ma'am"?
Also, what do you do when one insults you by calling you the wrong gender on the phone -- either the caller or the recipient?
GENTLE READER: Names are so useful. But if you are unsure of the honorific, try both. As in, "Is Mr. or Ms. Homebody available?" -- and the recipient can choose.
But presumably you are calling a particular person --and if you aren't, Miss Manners wonders if you should be making that call.
If someone mistakes your gender, please ignore it and try not to consider it an insult. If it still bothers you, you can say: "Oh, I'm afraid you've reached the ma'am of the house. If you are looking for the sir, I can leave a message."
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)