Am I being rude by asking someone I don't know not to use pet names with me?

I don't' think so. I think it's rude for them to tell you to lighten up. There are very few times when I don't think it's presumptuous for someone to use a pet name when they don't know the person (for example, I can understand emergency personnel using a pet name for someone about to go into shock, to help foster a sense of trust and encouragement), but generally, it's presumptuous and too much like this whole huggy-kissy society.

You're not rude. It's an amazing skill some people have to be demeaning and rude and then turn it back on you when you call them on their behavior. I've had this happen to me. One person at work got a real kick out of calling me 'kiddo'. It was insulting. When I asked him to address me by my name I was treated like nothing more than uptight *****. I don't think calling a 40 year old coworker you hardly know 'kiddo' could be considered respectful by anyone.

Honestly, if it's someone you don't know and will probably never see again - like a lady at the register in the convenience store, then don't even bother - you'll just look like a pompous a$$ hole to everyone around you. If they know your name, just subtly cut them off and correct them. Here's an example of the conversation:

"Hey Sweetie, could you -"

"Jordan."

"What?"

"Jordan - my name is Jordan." (Then smile, so you look charming and not like an angry nit picker).

It's not rude to ask them to stop because they are the ones who are actually being rude. Calling someone you just met for the first time, "sweetie", "hun", etc. is ridiculous.

I agree with you. I remember when my late husband was in the hospital or the nursing home and nurses where call him sweetheart or honey. I told him this is my husband and you have no right calling him those names. they did not like me saying anything but too bad

There is worst things to be called,it may be a bit uncomfortable my Mom calls everyone hon affectionately. No one seems to mind.

Ok, would you rather be called "meanie" instead? lol. Cause that's what it sounds like to me.