Don't call me "honey".

[hamsterjill]

I was at a restaurant and there was a problem with my order. I'm a female in my late 50's. The also female employee kept calling me "honey" and "sweetheart" while trying to explain why her restaurant had screwed me over. Would the employee have used these same terms if she were dealing with a gentleman of the same age as me??? I don't think so.

What happened to "ma'am"? I find the "sweetie" sentiments condescending and offensive.

Just needed to rant.

[Lil Missy]

1. I don't like that either. Young gals calling me "Honey".

[Floyd R. Turbo]

2. Im nearly seventy and a guy. The cashiers at our local market always call me hon or honey.

I don’t take offense.

The situation and tone make a difference of course!

[Frustratedlady]

3. I totally agree. I'm older than you and am even more offended because of the age difference between

the service person of under 50 calling me honey or sweetie. I have great-grandchildren who would never think of doing that.

I was recently in the hospital and came SO close to reprimanding some of the aides and nurses who insisted on calling me endearing(?) terms, but decided against it because I needed the care. I reluctantly overlooked it for the moment. You don't reprimand someone putting IVs in place. It will go on the questionnaire they ask me to fill out, though.

[get the red out]

4. I wouldn't have used it in a professional situation

But I am a southern woman in my 50s and "honey" comes out of my mouth without me meaning anything bad. But in this situation, it is intolerable.

[TexasBushwhacker]

5. I'm 60. I don't get it either.

Do they think that I somehow how feel younger if they call me "sweetie"? I don't. I feel belittled.

[Laffy Kat]

6. I'm a woman and although I don't use "honey" I'm bad about saying "Love".

It seems a little more intimate than "ma'am". I use it with coworkers more than patients. Ma'am for patients bothers me because so many of them are older than I. I do call male patients "Sir" though, as I don't want them to think I may be interested in any way but professionally. My perception with women/girls is that we are somewhat more affectionate with each other to begin with, for right or wrong. I'm totally open with being called out as sexist and I'm open minded.

[Frustratedlady]

7. Ma'am is appropriate, in my humble opinion...as is Sir.

Those are more terms of respect. I was referring to young girls who kept calling me honey, love or sweetie. I am none of those to them...don't even know them. I realize they were trying to be warm and friendly, but my name was on the white board after, "What name do you prefer?"

I would never make trouble for any of the young women, as many of them have bettered themselves by completing their training and have children they need to support. I would not jeopardize their jobs over such a complaint, but an anonymous suggestion on a questionnaire might get the suggestion across that many older people prefer those endearments not be used in the performance of their care.

Old and grumpy.