i call Mr.FixIt Master and Sir when we're alone. i call him Sir in public or around others, when i can get by without causing too much fuss. i will make it like a joking "yes Sir!" witha salute around others...but He knows what i'm doing. Otherwise, i call him by his first name.

As a term of respect, i believe that when someone outside the relationship, like Tojo, who is constantly offering support or assistance, they deserve to be called "Sir" or "Ma'am". Anyone who is willing to share their knowledge and experience with others in a helpful way deserves to be respected.

It is, however, about personal preferences. Master would not be happy to see me calling someone else "Sir", without good cause, such as the example listed above.

Sir and Ma'am are a less intimate form of respect than Master or Owner, OMHO.