Quote: I always thought calling someone sir IS respectful!
What about calling someone a dom then? Is that any less respectful? Do people have "masters" before respect is earned? Is it also disrespectful to NOT put a label on someone if it's what the other person wants because they're not ready for it?
Respect is about one thing and one thing only. It's "Do what I want". No one's entitled to it. Thing is a number of people act like they are. Which in and of itself is extremely disrespectful.
The title of "sir" can also get thrown around casually enough in general. Anyone can follow orders and go "Sir, yes sir". It has more meaning when the other person has your respect already, but people will still toss it out there all too easily. There's no "should" about it. That's the situation that happens. And people will do that casually and playfully while still getting to know people before understanding each other well. Doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Can still pursue, earn and gain respect with
any label. You can have any label and PUT respect inside of it. Add it. Or save it for later.
It's when respect is LOST that any title gets threatened. Be it "sir" or "pet". Or whatever else.
Way I see it there's only two reasons to hold back with putting a label on with someone. Either you're afraid you won't earn their respect or you're afraid of not being respected yourself. This indicates lack of trust and understanding though. The very act of hesitating means you yourself have yet to respect the other person. This is the point where communication is needed more then ever.
As for labels though, I quite like custom labels. "Mutt." "Dog". "Useless". Examples of ones that can apply to subs. Something more outside the box then anything that's generic. Means you put some more thought into it. Or maybe the other person likes the label more and you use it out of respect for them. If someone demands I call them "miss" though (and I like them) then I'll respect that.
I'm seeing a possible conflict though. What about when people are using two labels/titles? You want to use yours, they want to use theirs. Suppose you'll have to use both and vary it to keep things fair in that situation.