I know, I know, they all mean well. But I feel those are pet names you reserve for people close to you.
2007-06-15 09:34:40 · 14 answers · asked by Sonnie S 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Honestly, it depends on their age. If its an elderly person, I usually don't mind, anyone close to my age that doesn't know me, then I mind.
2007-06-15 09:38:40 · answer #1 · answered by Kimberly K 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It does bother some people and it depends on what part of the country you are in - how old the person is calling you that and their attitude.
It can be a very condescending thing - or typical to the area. If it bothers you, tell them in a nice way, the name is Ms. Jones (or whatever) - they should get the message.
Personally, if it's an older woman, it's nice to have someone extend that much cordiality and makes my day.
2007-06-16 01:01:50 · answer #2 · answered by moonmother2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most times I don't find it offensive if a female calls me hon when i'm placing an order at starbucks. What does bother me is when I'm standing in line with my man and the woman at the counter calls my man sweetness and me miss. I feel that it really depends on the situation. I find lately that saying sir or madame has a way of getting people upset at you. Sometimes using a term of endearment can brighten someones day. Really depends on the person.
2007-06-15 16:45:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Haven't I just answered a question like this like, yesterday or so? I really don't understand how being called "honey" or "sweetie" can be condescending although I can see how it can sound slick for a guy to call a girl he hardly knows these names.
As for others, they mean well so just be glad that they want to be polite and nice. I don't like it though when someone uses these names to EVERYONE, as if it meant "Miss" or "Mister". It becomes repetitive and sometimes annoying.
2007-06-15 17:03:59 · answer #4 · answered by Tammy 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm not offended. It is friendly to me coming from a woman, plus it is common living in the south- the last time I heard it was from a lady at the toll booth this morning...
Men that I don't know don't call me that. I would be offended if someone male or female said it to me in a condescending way though.
2007-06-15 16:39:12 · answer #5 · answered by quirky 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is condescending when strangers call you honey or sweety.
2007-06-15 17:26:33 · answer #6 · answered by charlotte j 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tolerate it with people who are elderly (probably have lots of grandkids and call them all that) or come from simple circumstances (never had a chance to learn better). other than that, I find it somewhere between funny and irritating.
2007-06-15 16:53:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find it rude. If someone does not know me personally, then they have not earned the privilege to don me with a term of endearment. That is truly one of my pet peeves.
2007-06-16 01:52:14 · answer #8 · answered by Lov'n IT! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont like it al all, it creeps me out, thers this one guy i was dating, he kept calling me sweetie, sugar, hotstuff, yummy girl, honey, sweetstuff. He was from LA
he was very good looking but i found it a turn off and gross. turns out he talks to every girl like that
hes fake.
Im from NYC guys dont talk like that here to women unless their gay.
2007-06-15 16:38:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't find it condescending at all. I think they are being nice.
2007-06-15 16:37:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anna Lynn 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋