People younger then you calling you honey
By SomeCowgirl
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
United States
October 20, 2012 11:47pm CST
I am not sure about everyone, but I know I don't like it. I mean, in my point of view I wouldn't do it because I find it a sign of disrespect. Now It's cute if say a little kid says honey as they are really just copying someone they've heard say it. But to me if someone my age or around it calls someone older then them honey, unless they are dating that person, I don't find it respectful or nice.
"Ma'am or Sir" is what I use to show my respect for someone, even IF they are younger then me I say "Ma'am or Sir" I don't say "Miss".
Now if they are younger then me, like teenagers or kids I might say "honey" but usually I reserve that for kids.
Do you call people older then you "honey, dear,?"
3 people like this
10 responses
@airasheila (5454)
• Philippines
21 Oct 12
Hi there SomeCowgirl,
With regard to your query, there are some people whom I met online and offline used to say some words of endearment. But it does not mean, I will answer them in return if they call me through these words. Perhaps, it will be best to used these words of endearment to the person whom you loved most, isn't it.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
21 Oct 12
Yes, but age also has to do with it in my opinion. I just feel as if some "endearing words" should be reserved for lovers, as you say, but some should not be used at all by those younger then the person they are addressing.
@airasheila (5454)
• Philippines
21 Oct 12
You have a point on that. Well, it is better to address the person properly. Hence, not all are used to it. Aside from that, this is to show respect and avoid some miscommunication.
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
22 Oct 12
I will say "sir" or "maam," but then again, I am one of those older people you are talking about. I have been guilty of calling people honey, but it is often a child. My generic term right now is "buddy" or "friend", in fact I even call my cat "buddy". He does not answer back, though. I should only be called "honey" if it is in a thick southern accent.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Oct 12
I live in the south GG, as you may be aware. I guess that is why I hear it more often, but sometimes I hear it from people my age to people who are much older. One is even a co-worker and I want to say something but she's also a superior so I don't.
I suppose the customers don't mind though as if they did I'm sure she'd find out about it.
I just feel like "ma'am" "sir" is the best way to go.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
21 Oct 12
I am one of those people who is guilt of calling people babe, hun, sweetie all of the time. I have people call me all those things too. I don't have a problem with it and I have never had anyone have a problem with it when I say it to them. I do occasionally call people ma'am or sir, but I have gotten an attitude from people for doing that.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
21 Oct 12
I am not talking about on a day to day basis with people younger or around the same age, I'm saying like someone 30 to 40 years older then yourself. I don't call these people "hon" or "doll" or "sweetie". I get called this often, I wouldnt' say quite often, but often by those older then me, some only appearing to be five or six years older.
I sometimes get people who say "ma'am" to me but I only comment if they around my age. I"ll say "I'm not much older then you are, don't call me ma'am please" and smile. Usually they just say "It's a sign of respect" and it is, which I always agree with and say "just don't worry about calling me Ma'am" lol.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Oct 12
Here a good group of people do. It just depends on how close to the more rural areas you are.
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
21 Oct 12
I am also guilty of calling some older people "hon , cutie , babes, dear" 
. Even so if the person is looking like they are in the 50s I will not call them any of those and I also rather they not call me those also .
I have never called kids any of those words nor here kids doing so . I do hear teenager and people older than me doing so though . So Its like a natural reflex for me to do it , since everyone I am surrounded with are like that . I also call rather calling older people by their first/last name unless I dont know it I may go with Sir/ Mis . The word Ma'am never leave my mouth lol I would not want to hear someone calling me that either .
People are less informal in these times
. Even so if the person is looking like they are in the 50s I will not call them any of those and I also rather they not call me those also .
I have never called kids any of those words nor here kids doing so . I do hear teenager and people older than me doing so though . So Its like a natural reflex for me to do it , since everyone I am surrounded with are like that . I also call rather calling older people by their first/last name unless I dont know it I may go with Sir/ Mis . The word Ma'am never leave my mouth lol I would not want to hear someone calling me that either .
People are less informal in these times
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Oct 12
No, I don't like it either. It really depends on how they say it though. Not respectful or nice. I don't call anybody older than me honey or dear. Ofcourse there isn't anybody older than me so..... ya.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
22 Oct 12
I think that sometimes people develop that habit, especially in this area. There is someone I work with that calls everyone honey...I don't like it at all. I know she doesn't mean anything by it and she says it so much she probably doesn't even realize she does it but it is aggravating. I say sir or ma'am but not anything like sweetie or honey.
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
5 Nov 12
I think it is absolutely ridiculous. Aside from being inappropriate, it is also disrespectful. You say Honey to a child or a loved one. However, Ma'am is a contraction; it's the shortened form of madam or madame, which is used to address married women. You should always says Miss unless you know the person you are talking to is either married or widowed. Ms, pronounced Mizz, is preferred by feminists and some divorced women.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
21 Oct 12
Never used that word even to a very close friend. And yes, you are correct when you said that it is kind of disrespectful to call somebody "honey" who is older than you . I am not used to calling people with terms of endearment.
