Strangers (especially men) who use pet names towards others (especially women) in public is just straight up creepy in my opinion, however if it's someone I know well I don't mind as I know what context their using those pet names in. Plus I just wind them back up with "names" of my own to let them know I can play their game as well.
It’s very common were I am, and just a polite thing to say to people, like endearment or just being nice. I would call my students this too and haven’t had any complaints.
If a guy calls me that, I get a bit nervous because I take it as a sign of attraction. Maybe I'm wrong, it could just be sexist looking down on you or it could be a combination.
When a guy I already know a little starts using those terms I instantly know what they're after. >.>
I get this all the time at my work, which is a very male-dominated place. My co-workers are fine; it's the construction workers/landscapers who come in that set my teeth on edge.
For a long time, I didn't say anything, because we can't be rude to the customer, right? but now I will correct people and say, "my name is ___".
In general, I'm not a fan of endearments, outside of family or people I know well. If I don't know you, I am not your "dear", "sweetie", or "honey".
Depends, but generally I don't like it from strangers. It can cause awkwardness when it wasn't intended to cause awkwardness. Like, I've seen people reprimanded for it in a work environment even though they weren't being creepy and the recipient didn't see it as creepy, but it ended up being awkward cuz someone else turned it into that. Or someone read into it waay to much and caused problems later.
In terms of complete strangers, no matter the age, from men it's annoying and weird, but from women it sounds nicer and more genuine, if that makes any sense. I had customers do this to me on occasion and it was nothing too out of the ordinary, but if a guy kept doing it constantly then it would definitely get on my nerves. If you acknowledge it even by reacting negatively to it, then they will most likely just keep doing it because it's getting a response from you. I learned to just pretend I didn't hear it and continue with my day.
In terms of family, I wouldn't know the feeling lol since no one ever talks like that. Not that it matters, really, we still get along.
I used to hate it, but it's more common where I live now so I've gotten more used to it. Being called "hun" or "love" by women is okay, it's a bit creepy when men say it though. Depends on the person I guess; coming from lovely elderly guys it's okay but others not so much. The best thing is hearing it from some of my older male coworkers who are usually so hardcore, but absolute softies when it comes down to it.
Very uncomfortable. Even from women usually gives the vibe that they would speak behind my back. I brush it off there.
I don’t know. Even when my friends do it, it isn’t right. Like, that’s what my partner does to me. Call me bro or something instead.
edit: Actually, I would like to make an exception for sir/ma’am etc.; that feels fantastic but you don’t really get that outside of restaurants and occasionally delicatessens. Does that sound egotistical? Those just feel much more respectful, classy and yeah, the little ego stroke is nice. Ironically those also feel like less of a suck-up, again, they just seem more respectful like you’re a valued customer, your time is valued, etc. and less “quirky” and trashy. Mr./Ms. is also pleasant but never comes up, maaaaybe if you’re seeing a doctor or something.
I don’t assume negatively of everyone who says hun/love/etc. but I just don’t like it.
I felt very uncomfortable when I was in school. People would make fun of it by calling it because they thought it was a French name. My teacher called made fun of me and I didn't take too kindly to it. After when they said that to me I was very upset. Sometimes they would make fun of my name because they think I was a girl's name but,I am a guy. I know this got personal but yeah I wanted to change my name ever since.
It's kind of cultural thing. Like from my experience people in the southern states of United States will use terms such as honey, hun, ect. If it is used without any ill-intent I don't mind.
I'd rather be in situations where names like these are used with me as I find they are often used in lighthearted/comfortable interactions. When the alternative may be something stark, call me sweetheart or hun anytime.
I've never had anyone call me anything that made me uncomfortable. If anything it makes me more comfortable as it shows the other person is just trying to be kind. That's the vibe I always got anyways, it's yet to come off as creepy