#1 When responding to any adult, you must answer with "Yes ma'am" or "No Sir."

This is something I try to do all the time, even when I speak to my children. When I get a call from my child I answer "Yes sir." I want to be an example.

I do have an obstacle. Some family members consider this particular verbiage unnecessary. He/she actually thinks to call someone SIR or MA'AM is considering the person you're speaking to as more important than yourself.

To me this is simply showing respect for others, and doesn't diminish self at all. Everyone should be shown respect, and the act of being respectful gains respect from others.