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I only call my wife those sorts of nicknames. The one time recently I addressed her by her first name, she turned to me genuinely concerned and said "Is something wrong?"
Other folks? I stay formal. Sir, maam, Mrs, etc.
For people calling me names like that? I don't care. When a waitress calls me "hon", doesn't bother me in the least.
It depends on where, when and who. If it’s a nurse then it’s an endearment meant well and an effort to comfort, if it’s a professional/business situation a big no, if it’s a casual convo with a friend no biggie, but I get the catty comment starting with “sweetie” they get a dose of wrath instantly.
It doesn't bother me overmuch, although as is the case with many words and phrases, context is everything.
This. How I react or address it depends on who is saying it or under what circumstances. In my profession I tended to interact with lots of men from all walks of life every working day. It was inevitable that some addressed me using some of those terms. Many times, it was simple thoughtless habit, almost unconscious. It wasn't personal at all. Other than the term, they were perfectly civil.
Before coming unglued I had to think about the context and decide whether coming unglued over a word was worth it. Depending on the relationship I could:
a. calmly request that they NOT address me that way. Logical...if I don't tell them I don't like it how would they know?
b. return the "favor" by calling them the same thing in a joking manner. Bantering tit for tat. Message received.
c. ignore it as ranking pretty low on the grand scale of injustices. Aren't there more important things to worry about?
d. internalize it and waste a heck of a lot of energy fuming over it. So it hurts ME more than it hurts anyone else.
e. call them out and raise a stink on the spot. Do I really want a reputation for being a touchy b*&tch?
I use "dear" for young women occasionally and "bud" for men. I got into the habit of calling more "mature" women "young lady" primarily because at my age (80) I have problems remembering MY name some days. I guess something that DOES bother my is when someone says "love you" and they don't even know your name and it is the first time you've met. Sort of trivializes the term. If that makes sense?
I don't think anyone has ever called me any of those names.
Some sleazy old man came up to me in a bookstore once. I was looking at a book and became aware that someone was next to me, and I looked over to see this grinning old goat looking up at me. He said, "Hi, Shorty".
I was just about to fly kick him out of the History section when his wife came around the corner and dragged him away by his arm, so I think he probably wasn't all there.
It is usually meant well but it really bugs me. But I want to punch somebody when they say that to me.
"Sweetheart" was the latest one I got from an old high school friend I recently chatted with on Facebook.
It makes me want to barf.
I use 'hon' all the time with women I'm interacting with. It's the equivalent of 'man' or 'dude.'
e.g. - "Keep the change, hon." or "Thanks, hon."
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