I can't stand when strangers call me, "hon" or "sweetheart" etc. What can I say to politely ask them to stop?

Question

To be clear: I don't mind the talking, just the affectionate pet names.

Hey virgil - ever heard of "Thank you, Miss"?

Just because people don't know my name doesn't mean I should wear a name tag to avoid being called pet names!

There are other, socially acceptable alternatives.

I am completely aware that whomever is calling me "hon" or whatever is just being nice, but I don't like it.

I'm not trying to be rude, it's just something that bothers me a whole lot and I'm not going to just deal with it b/c people are trying to be nice.

I'm trying to be nice, too by telling them what their doing is upsetting me in a polite way...I could've not asked this question and just yelled at them.

Answer 1

Call them BOB, NO matter what there name is. When they say there name is not BOB tell them your name is not Hon, or sweetheart.

Answer 2

Do you feel your not taken serious when they call you these references to you? Most people would not really think that calling people hon or sweetheart would upset the person they are calling those names to.
So its a delicate situation, you can say "Hey I really don't feel comfortable with you calling me those names, I like (your name) if you don't mind lol" then smile and laugh.
But that might make the person feel taken back and you might become awkward with each other. You could also pretend to not hear them until they use your proper name. it won't hurt their feelings if they think you don't like hon or sweetheart. It wont hurt their feelings cause you didn't tell them to stop. They figured it out themselves.

So you could try those suggestions or go with something else.

Answer 3

I understand your dislike, too. It really is not a nice thing to be talked down to; as if you were a child. You are right in surmising that these people think they are being friendly. But there is such at thing as too friendly, really. I don't mind it so much with the people I know, but when bank tellers start that type of thing in can be annoying. However, there are worse things in the world.

Just letting them know what your real name is a step in getting them to call you that instead of pet names.

Answer 4

It kind of depends on where you are at the time. I say this because this is very common here in the South, and nothing bad is meant by it.

To be on the safe side, without offending, just say "I'm sorry, but my name is ____________." They will take the hint if you do that just after they use this term with you.

Answer 5

Just say, "I feel uncomfortable to be referred to in that fashion. I know you don't mean anything by it, it's a personal issue. I really do prefer *insert your name or the title you'd like to be used, such as miss, ms., ma'am, etc.*"

If they take issue to your preference, that's their problem. You have every right to set down a boundary when it comes to something that makes you uncomfortable.

Answer 6

You are just a cold person. People will catch on soon enough and start calling you things you don't like.

Answer 7

just say Sweet heart, hey only my bf calls me Sweetheart thank you.

Answer 8

I say "excuse me I don't really know you so could you please refer to me as mam or ms even hey lady works for me... thanks " "now...how can I help you?" Be cheerful when you say it .. people don't usually say hon or sweetheart to be mean. I think they believe they are being friendly

Answer 9

i understand, i'm a guy, i never do that to strangers but i see plenty who do.I could understand if they were talking to a 4 year old, but a grown woman... i think that's disrespectful if the woman is a stranger.

Answer 10

you could say, "not to be rude or anything, but i prefer when people call me by name." that way they know that you aren't being mean.