Ms. vs. Miss; to Dame or not to Dame (was Re: Titles)

[Amy Z]

Rosmerta:

> People have assumed I'm a lesbian, a 
> divorcee, a nanny or a kidnapper (all of which have their 
> possibilities, but none of which I am). 

Tell 'em you're a kidnapping lesbian divorcee nanny who's left her 
husband, killed her children and practices witchcraft.  I'm afraid 
you're right--outside a few circles like academia, Ms. and not 
changing your name on marriage are looked at several degrees more 
askance than askance.

Amy Z