Now that I am a Senior citizen how do I respond to those clerks and sales people that call me honey, sweetie?

Question

and such. I might be getting old but I still do not think that it give licence to call me names like they would a child. What are some good retorts

Most of you feel is sweet, but I feel it's condescending,

Answer 1

Hopefully, they are just wanting to be kind and show their respect.

You could reply by saying,"Well aren't you a honey for calling me a sweetie."

I have been in the habit all my life calling everyone a dear. I even call my husband Dear and never use his given name unless I'm irritated with him.

I bet you are a sweetie and a honey. Now . . . .please don't think I'm insulting you. It's a good thing.

Thanks for the question.

Answer 2

I don't call that name calling at all. They are being nice to you. There are some folks out there that are very rude and have no respect at all.

I was in line at the check out counter one day with my dad. Some young folks came up be hide us, guess they didn't know that was my dad in front of me. They were making rude comments, saying "hurry up old codger, we are in a hurry". The cashier told them they could go to the next line if they were in that much of a hurry. My dad got his feelings hurt over their comment.

So be glad that folks are saying nice stuff to you. Can't understand why some one would get upset over being called honey and sweetie, that is really nice of them. When someone says something nice like that, just say, well thank you dear, and go on your way.

Answer 3

Although it catches me off guard at times, I find it amusing and congenial at the same time. It may not be my favorite form of address, but usually the person using it comes across as being sincerely friendly and helpful -- as such I take it as a compliment and return a smile.

Answer 4

I moved from the north to the south last year & I am usually called Ms......(my first name) down here at the bank. I have been called "sweetie" a few times (grocery store/hair salon) but I take no offense to it, as they call everyone that down here. I chalk it up to "good old southern hospitality." I'm sorry it offends you but would you rather not be spoken to at all by clerks?

Answer 5

There are alot worse things you could be being called besides honey and sweetie...I've never known those words to be attributed to older people...I'm not sure why you find them offensive...I could see you being offended by stuff like gramps, pops, etc...But honey and sweetie? If you need retorts...tell em OKay KID, or something like that...or you could just say...You can just call me Susan or whoever...maybe that will let them know you don't want to be called anything else...I say you shouldn't let this bother you...What's worse is the youth who have absolutely no respect for their elders or for the elderly anymore...honey and sweetie just don't seem to be that bad...Good Luck learning how to let honey and sweetie roll off your back like water off a duck's back...

Answer 6

I'm so sorry those names( I call them names of endearment)
bother you, I feel that people who use those words are just being kind. I call everyone hon,dear or sweetie myself so I wouldn't dare complain would I ? We must know that those names aren't said to us to hurt but are meant as a special kindness. I guess if that is the worse thing we have to worry about......we are so lucky.

Answer 7

Hear that from MEN and WOMEN and answer the same as they called me. Not really a big deal.

Guilty of calling family members SWEETIE.
When visiting the oldest son he said, Mom, "Only I can call my wife Sweetie." I replied, "OK Sweetie!"

Answer 8

It's not meant to be be impolite or condescending. Many people use those terms when speaking to others of any age, it's just their manner of speaking. We're all getting older and sometimes we think maybe someone did/said something just because of our age, when that really isn't the case. Just smile and be polite when someone says this, there is no reason to give smart retorts to people who are not meaning to offend you. Save those comments for people who really are rude to you.

Answer 9

When I was 8 or 9 I got this idea in my head about calling my Dad Father. I think I watched National Velvet and Elizabeth Taylor called her Father Father. Nooooo . I know who it was !! It was Elinor Donahue who called Robert Young Father on "Father Knows Best) !!!! Anyway, I was in bed one night and I heard my Dad going down the stairs and I called out "Good night Father. And my Dad called back "Goodnight daughter". I never called him anything but Dad again !!! lol

Answer 10

I was born and raised most of my life in the south, so even now as I am older, I still call people sweetie, darlin' and those southern mannered words........I know living here in the north, people do not like it much, but it is who i am.......