Is using proper titles in social situations pretentious?

[Beest]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

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

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.

Professor is also different kettle of fish in the UK than the US it's not an academic grade but a senior position, a Chair, like a business VP or member of the board rather just a senior manager, and would also be used as a title in a formal social setting.