Terms of endearment from strangers bother you?

I don't like being called names like that by a complete stranger, but I don't know if I'd want to complain to them and perhaps hurt their feelings, especially if they mean no harm and think they're just being friendly. I suppose it's no worse than somebody calling me "Dear", and for some reason that doesn't bother me...but "hon" and "darlin"....I don't like those!

gere

I don't worry about it, but I'm a guy. Sometimes women will say that stuff to guys. I don't see what's offensive by being called "hon" or "darling." They are just being nice.

If you don't want them to call you that, then just tell them. Say, "no offense intended, but I don't really like being called that. Would you mind not doing it please?" You don't have to be angry about it. Always finish such requests with a question because it is more disarming to the other person - they will have to answer you and if you ask in a nice tone - they will normally say, "Oh - I am sorry I did not mean it. I won't do it any more." Then you can say, "Oh, I understand and it's cool. It's just a pet peeve of mine."

Me personally? I would let the woman call me sweettie and honey or whatever, and I'd start calling her things back - like "sugar" or "doll" or whatever. That will develop a rapport and an acquaintanceship with the person at the store. You never know when you might need some assistance, and it's better to make friends than to rub people the wrong way.

I find that people who live in certain areas tend to do this more. When I traveled to the southern states, I was called 'Hon" and "Sweetie" at every turn. At home in Boston however, NOBODY uses these pet names. If it's not said in a sexual or completely demeaning way (and generally you can tell how the pet name is being used) than I chalk it up to being friendly....nothing more. And to be honest, I thought it was kinda nice....it's not often you see such openly friendly and cheerful people in Boston!

Better enjoy it now sweetie, you won't be young and pretty forever. Now that I'm old and even more ugly than I was when I was young, such terms are truly appreciated.

I bet you don't mind them when some good lookin' stud is dishing them out, do you? LOL

DO NOT correct them, it makes you appear bitchy, just smile and accept it as a compliment. Life is TOO SHORT to be mean.

It is extremely annoying. I once had a friend who had the bad habit of calling everyone "hon". I called her out on it, but she just shrugged it off like it was no big deal. It's just a bad habit. Don't do it. I cringe every time I hear strangers use these terms.

This is a common practice in the south. It usually doesn't bother me. Men and women both do this. I think at time it depends on how it is said.

In some countries like England and Australia, people say that to the youngsters. I suggest you let it go.

SOme ppl have a stick up their butt and can't take someone being friendly, I guess. I've had worse done to me, like someone calling you a not so nice name. I say be grateful and move on.

is this UK based or USA based, cos its a way of life for the Brits, some places everyone is alright duck.............hen, pet, dearie, etc etc........just a normal term of words that are used.

Not really heard it much in the USA to be honest.

regards

well, it depends.

it doesn't bother me when adults call me "hon" or "sweetie" but it bothers me when people close to my own age call me that. then its just creepy. lol

i dont say anything tho i just kinda ignore it.