It’s a bit like the abbreviations on GN like DH instead of Dear Husband.
They probably think it’s quicker and easier to say ‘the girls’ than Helen and Grace, without realising how irritating it is.
I’m a bit guilty of something similar. When my DD rings to say she’d like to come over, I ask, “ are you bringing the children?“ instead of, “Are you bringing x, y and z?”
Gransnet forums
AIBU
I have a friend who is single and so is her sister. She was telling me yesterday how they both absolutely HATE being referred to as 'the girls' by family members. They are both in their early sixties, have held down responsible jobs, bought their own houses, one lived abroad for several years, and they feel a bit insulted at being referred to as if they're two young siblings living at home.
I do sympathise. My neighbour has two sibling nieces who are single and in their late 40s. She too refers to them as 'the girls' 'and I've seen a rather irritated but resigned look being exchanged between them a couple of times when she's done this.
People seem to do this far less where one or both sisters are married. AIBU to think it's a bit demeaning to refer to middle aged women like this?
Their elderly parents I would forgive as we all remain children in our parents eyes I suppose 
.
But can other relatives not just refer to them as Helen and Grace or whatever?
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