Ms Sheila Michaels: Feminist who popularised 'Ms', dies aged 78

I know, NoLoveofMine, why do banks do that? For years I've been telling banks I'm a Ms, and to date all my cards and addresses have only ever had Miss on them, grrr. I don't know why I'm always still a bit surprised when the card arrives with Miss on it, after spelling out Ms super clearly on the phone. Not sure why they bother asking really as they always change it back to Miss. Some women are so touchy about not wanting to be Ms (in what universe does it make you an old lesbian, and so what if you are?). I'm not sure why it's anyone's business if I'm married or not?

Never heard of her either; turn out she was an interesting woman.

Are more women using Ms, though? The undergrads I lecture are all using Miss or even Mrs (I see their chosen titles in the student records system), even though Ms is definitely available. As someone who used Ms from the age of 16 or so, I find it a bit depressing that none of the 18-year-olds I encounter think it's the title for them and instead use the (imho regressive) Miss.

Another one surprised to hear about her for the first time. Thank you Ms. Michaels! An important legacy.

Thank you - I hadn't either so am glad I have now, though in unfortunate circumstances. I'm pleased increasing numbers of women are using "Ms" though it's irksome many default to "Miss" when addressing women (banks for example it seems).