Ms. vs. Miss

Alright so I am working on ordering invitations and that has me thinking about how I am going to address them… and the question I have is how do women like to have envelopes addressed is it Miss or Ms? I think Ms sounds to nondescript and snooty, but I think it is the official way to do things. Any thoughts?



6 Responses to “Ms. vs. Miss”

  1. Michelle W Says:


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    I remember talking alot about the difference between the connotations of the term Miss vs. Ms. with several different people. I some of it is a comfort/preference thing, but I think the history is that “Miss” was a term that more indicated that a woman was not married and refers to someone as young/inexperienced/childlike (Little Miss) as opposed to “Ms.” which is more professional and widely accepted term for addressing an adult woman.

    I guess the final point is, “Ms.” is probably safer-no one I know of has been put off by being addressed as “Ms.” However, I could be wrong…

  2. Emily Says:


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    I would just address them with first and last name, rather than Ms or Miss. Titles schmitles.

    But if you must use titles, I’d go with Ms…I think it’s totally messed up that guys have a title that can be married or unmarried and women have to be one or the other, therefore Ms is a good compromise.

  3. Sue Says:


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    I think the Miss/Ms. thing is Ms. but everyone already said that. I just wanted to put in my two cents and say that I hate when I am called Mrs. Michael Torelli. Like To “Mr and Mrs Michael Torelli.” I know its the proper way to address things but I guess it just bothers me that I am not important enough to get a first name. I mean I changed my last name (which I didn’t have to do) can I at least keep my own? Whats wrong with “Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Susan Torelli”?

  4. Blessen Says:


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    I’ve always been told that in business we’re never to use Miss at all, unless we’re talking about little girls. Granted, this isn’t business, and you’re sending this to friends and family, but I’d still go with Ms. It’s a little formal, but I think it’s the way to go for your invites.

  5. Gwen Says:


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    All female adults in our school are “Ms.”, with the exception of Dr. Land. She is very firm about how she is addressed.

    For the most part I don’t think you run the risk of offending anyone, so go with whatever you like the best. I’ve always thought it would be cool to be addressed as Captain or Royal Highness.
    Just a thought.

  6. Melbah Says:


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    I prefere the title of Ms. than Miss ’cause i know and appreciate my marital status.