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If we're strictly talking about non-relationship, "baby, honey, darlin'" it's unprofessional and should never be used unless it's a older person (grandparent age) or you are addressing a child (under 10).
If your grandmother told the truth she did it cause she couldn't remember all the grandkids names. She used the generic terms like that so she didn't call one kid another kids name.
After the age of 70 it's OK to call any relative those names.
If we're strictly talking about non-relationship, "baby, honey, darlin'" it's unprofessional and shoud never be used unless it's a older person (grandparent age) or you are addressing a child (under 10).
Just what I was thinking. It's cool to be of an age where you can call the kids "honey" or "sweetie" and not automatically be seen as a perv.
On the other hand, it seems that whenever I use the term "Ma'am", women throw a fit.
I've noticed since I moved to the South that it's very common for waitresses in particular to come up to you and say something like "What can I get for you darlin'". I don't see anything wrong with it at all, they're just being friendly. When I was working one of my good friends who was a woman started calling me "Boyfriend Bob" and pretty soon everybody in the office was calling me that. I also didn't mind that at all. I do agree it would be different if some strange guy came up to a woman and used some term like baby and I can understand how a woman might be put off by it because it tends to sound like part of a bar room pickup line. I guess it just depends on the circumstances.
When men are addressed by women with these terms, it's folksy and endearing.
When women are addressed by men with these terms, it's patronizing and condescending.
Why is that?
Not always the case; it depends on the setting & culture in which you live. Where I live these terms are interchangeable in a casual setting, however in a professional setting this terminology may be misconstrued as harassment or slander.
I don't like them said to me unless it's by my husband. I think it seems like thiey're treating me like a child. I think it's the same way when a woman says it to a man (who she's not in a relationship with) it just sounds like you're reffering to them as a child.
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