Is using proper titles in social situations pretentious?

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by infinite monkey

It's a badge of honor to be called Mr or Mrs or Ms, or being called Doctor is a badge of honor? Because a surgeon is a specialized doctor, isn't he?

They progress beyond the title of Doctor. A surgeon has more years under his/ her belt. It's like going from being valuable to priceless

Originally Posted by infinite monkey

And what is a consultant? Like a family doctor? Which actually makes sense and sort of answers my previous questions...so someone with an advanced medical degree is not called doctor?

A family doctor is a GP (general practitioner) and is always called Doctor professionally. A Consultant is the person you are referred to AFTER a doctor. They are a specialist in their field, have trained longer and have more knowledge than a doctor. Again, they are beyond the title.

It's not about your degree, it's about your profession, and the rank you have achieved in it.

And I think I know who you are now IM.
Sorry that it took me so long, I hadn't read long enough posts to recognise your stylee.