I can't stand when people address me as "Honey". Why don't they just call me "Miss" or "Ma'am"? I am not their honey. I can't stand those people anyway!
2007-03-28 09:40:46 · 16 answers · asked by MaryTasty 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think it's a custom that regionally varies. I've lived in the Netherlands and the US, and several parts of the US too... in some places, lots of people said 'honey' or 'sugar' and it is just a good-natured, friendly thing to say. But in other places it is really only used among sweethearts and if a stranger used it, it meant he was flirting with you! So that makes a difference in how it's received also...
I grew up in a place where terms of endearment are NOT used to strangers and I feel a bit uncomfortable with them, even though I know in the South it didn't mean someone was trying to get into my pants... Loads of local customs in language as well as otherwise, I love better than my own, but these endearments, especially the food terms, honey and sugar, never grew on me. They make me feel 'sticky'.
2007-03-28 11:49:35 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I can understand your frustration at being called something you do not want to be, be thankful its something as benign as honey and not something worse. Using nicknames like "honey", "sugar" and "sweety" are terms of endearment and depending on the region of the country someone is from are used in place of Ma'am or Miss. Feel free to explode on the next person who calls you Honey, and see what people start calling you after that. Personally I don't refer to woman I know by anything other then their name, unless I am good friends and then I might call her "Sugar" on occasion.
2007-03-28 18:20:27 · answer #2 · answered by terrorfex01 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason that people address you as "Honey" is because honey is naturally sweet! If they address you with a serious intent, that is the greatest compliment that you could receive.
This is not meant in a derrogitory frame of mind, I'm sure. You are exceptionally attractive and I am sure just as sweet natured. So, if this seems to still be unacceptable for you, just gently reply, "Please call me Mary". That should keep everyone on a level playing field and give you the respect that you are missing.
Don't be mad at anyone, though. Great avatar!
2007-03-28 18:29:35 · answer #3 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I grew up in Texas where being called "honey, darlin, sweetie" on a daily basis was the norm. It utterly annoyed me and I thought the exact same way as you.
However, after moving to Seattle I've found myself sinking back into that same familiarity. I call people "darlin" but it's not because I have a fondness for them. It's out of habit to show I care about their concerns, words, questions, etc. I suppose I could be more formal and say "Miss" or "Mister."
It's just roots following me I guess and I just don't care enough to change it. Granted, in professional environments I would never refer to anyone as "darlin."
2007-03-30 18:25:56 · answer #4 · answered by |sojourn| 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I much prefer being called "honey" or "dear" or some such endearment than "miss" or "ma'am". "Miss" and ma'am" seem so snarky. The only thing I really felt irritated by was the security guard who called me "muffin". And even then, I didn't say anything to him, I just assumed that was his way of being polite.
2007-03-28 22:06:23 · answer #5 · answered by raynne_iceni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow, they most definitely should not be calling you honey if you are saying you hate them anyway. you are being extremely rude to people who are obviously acting polite towards you. it is a term of endearment. i am on the phone all day with clients and banks and attorneys and am constantly called "sweetie" or "honey" or one of them calls me "love". it means they think i am a nice, polite, young woman and would like to address me as such.
i personally hate ma'am, becuase i'm not a 75 year old woman.
you need to calm down. grin and bear it if you think it is SO RUUUUDE for people to think you are a nice person. it's the polite thing to do.
2007-03-28 17:38:12 · answer #6 · answered by jack_skellington49 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Man I feel so sorry for you. How do you manage to get up in the morning? I would be a wreck - imagine someone trying to be nice and kind to a person in 2007! How terrible for you, frankly I am amazed you have managed to last this long. Good luck with that terrible problem!
2007-03-28 16:49:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When it's someone I know, I consider it a term of endearment. When it's from a stranger, I consider that's how they address every female.
2007-03-28 17:33:06 · answer #8 · answered by J M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever Fuzzybritches.
2007-03-28 16:46:10 · answer #9 · answered by Aces N 8's 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When they say "hello honey"
respond with "hello turd".
Give them the "what?" look.... You thought it was make up an absurd name for people day.
2007-03-29 00:10:18 · answer #10 · answered by Sionainn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋