Is using proper titles in social situations pretentious?

[infinite monkey]

Originally Posted by DanaC

I hate the fact that I am addressed as Councillor by council workers and so forth. I have trained those I am in regular contact with to call me Dani ;p Unless it's a formal meeting in which case we all use titles, and will refer to each other as Councillor Whatever.

One really bizarre little detail: a lot of the married women councillors adopt the title 'Councillor Mrs XXXX'. Only for the women. There are no 'Councillor Mr Whatevers'

Back in my bartending days, I kidded (vehemently but charmingly, sure) the customers to not call me barmaid. I said "You don't call Dennis barbutler do you? Bartender is good." Being intelligent sorts, they picked right up on that. 'Course, I WAS vehement but charming.