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Original poster

Why do so many people think Ms means divorced?

87 replies

KeepingAwayFromTheJoneses · 14/07/2011 14:20

My mail was delivered to a nosey person in my street by mistake and she is now telling everyone who will listen that I am divorced. I have been Ms for over 20 years and it was in common use before that. So why do so many people think it means I am divorced? What's more, they seem to think it is a compulsory title forced upon divorced women as some sort of badge of shame Hmm. What is this about?

I lived in an academic environment before I moved here and never had this problem, but where I live now it is a common belief. They also think they are doing me a favour by calling me Mrs, to save me from the shame of being Ms.

OP posts:
jennyvstheworld · 14/07/2011 14:38

I'd imagine that some people are not sure of the purpose of Ms unless to denote the situation of having been divorced, perhaps by virtue of not having been in business or paying a lot of attention to the quality press. I think we can deplore ignorant gossip, but do we also blame people for being uneducated - or is there no difference?

going · 14/07/2011 14:37

I use Ms as I am married but have kept my name. My Dh thought it was only for divorced women too but I started a thread on here which corrected him!

Sarsaparilllla · 14/07/2011 14:35

My DP thought it meant you were divorved as well, it took me ages to convince him otherwise, don't know where that idea come from but it seems a common misunderstanding

Original poster
KeepingAwayFromTheJoneses · 14/07/2011 14:35

Funny you should mention that Startail because the person I am talking about is exactly the sort of person who would think bikini car washes are a great idea and such fun. She also thinks I should get a nice little job.

OP posts:
SinicalSal · 14/07/2011 14:35

That wasn't very nice Startail. It's not either/or.

startail · 14/07/2011 14:33

That was supposed to read equal pay, my iPod is clearly mad!

startail · 14/07/2011 14:31

I only use Ms if I have to address someone and I don't know if they are married or not.
If someone insists on Ms I assume she's the sort of feminist I'd fight with on hereWink
ie. the sort who worries about bikini car washes rather than real pay.

Original poster
KeepingAwayFromTheJoneses · 14/07/2011 14:26

I created this name the other day specifically to post about her. Things have got to the stage where I fear for my mental health.

OP posts:
ohmeohmy · 14/07/2011 14:25

because they are ignorant fools?

motherinferior · 14/07/2011 14:24

Because obviously if you Loved Your Hubby Enough, you would be proud to be a Missis.

SinicalSal · 14/07/2011 14:23

Loving your name btw, especially in the context of this thread Grin

SinicalSal · 14/07/2011 14:22

You see, if you could keep your man you wouldn't be bothered with any of this feminism nonsense. You'd be Mrs and proud. Poor you, eh Hmm

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