I am sorry to hear about the death of Mr. O, your buddy for years. Memories can never be taken from you. Enjoy them, knowing that some day, we will all have to go away. It is part of life, unfortunately.

When I was a youngster, I was made to do the Mr. and Mrs., Aunt, Uncle, Dr. etc. Now that I am in my mid to late 50's, I still call my Aunts and Uncles using their title, but do not do the same for Dr.'s and do not ask my niece and nephew to call me Aunt. I seldom call people who have PhD's or even older in age, using a title. I think when being introduced it is nice, but one on one, especially with a Dr. including MD's, it is important to go with the first name, to keep an equal ground. They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like we do. I think treating someone with respect is much more important than just calling them something by using a title.

By the way, everyone should do what they feel comfortable with, of course. The above is what I do and feel comfortable with.

Also, I think it is much nicer to hear and listen to complete sentences, without the words like or you know, used every other word, than to use a title. There is nothing anymore distrubing to me than to try to figure out what the heck someone is trying to say. It drives me crazy. I have heard and seen so many TV and radio interviews - with people who cannot complete a sentence. Don't get me started.

So, in a nutshell, titles are nice, but don't make the persons involved any better or more respected than anyone else. Tradition seems to come to mind for this behavior. The end.

(Sorry, I just had my second cup of coffee and I slept in late this AM - giving me way too much energy!)

This is a good topic and I will be interested in seeing who replys and what they have to say.