On being called Darling and Love

Not fussed really, in our local it’s mate, as in ‘alright mate’, I'm used to it after over thirty five years, do not like hun, I prefer most forms of address rather than being ignored,
I do agree about Madam in Françe.

I quite like it really. Anything that is kindly meant is welcome.

I've been called a number of things over the years, some of which weren't exactly friendly, so things like 'darling', 'love', 'duck' don't bother me at all. I used to deliver frequently to a place in Yorkshire and a man used to say 'duck' - "thanks duck" for example. As a man myself, I initially found it odd, but once I realised it was just his way as a local, I had no problem with it at all.

I can, however, appreciate the fact that many people aren't keen on being spoken to with these words. Ultimately, we all like to be spoken to in a manner that we prefer.

I can tolerate most terms but the one I absolutely hate is being called ‘hun’!

Well, I'm elderly and lonely, so I really don't mind how anyone addresses me, as it is usually spoken with a smile.

When we first moved to Leicestershire I heard 'me duck' a lot now not so much shame I liked it. Now I get lovely, sweet, and honey! I love being Madam especially when in Italy and France. Makes me feel smart and tidy which I am not.

“My lover” when I lived in Exeter. found it rather odd as an 18 year old but just accepted it as a regional idiosyncrasy. Then in Bristol it was “me babby”.

I was in a branch of Santander recently with my brother trying to sort out a new account. The advisor insisted on prefacing everything she said to us with “lovely.” I found it hugely unprofessional and patronising and walked out.

I do say something whenever possible, Doodledog. Not when it's casual from a brief encounter, but definitely if it's people working within care services and similar, or someone I feel can understand my comments back. Made politely and carefully of course. Give them a chance to think twice.

Like Wyllow, I find 'bless' is worse than names such as 'love', 'pet' or 'darling'. It's so condescending.

Luckygirl3

I can live with it! I have a Geordie SIL who calls me pet!

I love pet!

I’m not that bothered, unless it’s said in a really condescending way, I can tolerate “darling” and “lovely” but not so keen on “dear” and “love” 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

What really gets my goat is being called 'Young lady'. Yes, it still happens. I am in my 80s, I am not young. It is patronising in the extreme.

I don't mind being called darling if the speaker is a soft or gentle person or someone who is trying to make me feel at ease. What I do object to is when someone superior and sniffy calls me 'darling' to patronise me. We have one such lady at the WI who is really quite objectionable.

I hate being called Lovely or darling in shops. I have complained before now. There is no need to call me anything. Just be polite.

I don’t mind ‘love’, but not keen on ‘my lovely’.

Our female vicar uses that term, and I think it sounds fake, as if she can’t recall your name.

I don't mind being called 'lovely' round here. The only time I feel affronted is if someone calls me madam. So standoffish.

Darling and love ate common words of endearment .
I use them a lot because I called always recall someone's name !
I think I melted when a very handsome man from Newcastle called me treakle .

i live in glasgow and would not have a problem with it, i have used it myself, sometimes when a man i don't know calls me darling i usually answer with sweetheart. in the small block of flats i live in, one lady calls me chicken and another calls me poppet. it is only a few words and people do it out of habit and don't mean any offence.

'Alright love' a usual expression in Liverpool we just take it it for granted. 'Darling' is the same it's not an insult don't over think it get over it.

I don't mind ,,,I could be called a lot worse..

To me it’s worse if it’s worse if it’s followed by “you take care now”

Treebee

I have no problem with most endearments but I dislike ‘lovely’, without the ‘my’ and ‘hun’ which both strike me as insincere.

How I agree! If I get called lovely I am furious especially if it’s said by someone young. SO patronising.

Yes - it’s ’pet’ In Durham too. I don’t mind, better than others I could name.

I’m a geordie and the careful call of ‘ pet’ is so usual in my area. Years ago it was love or hinny so be grateful for pet!

I recently moved to Bristol and was startled to be called “my lovely” by locals. 😊
“Dahling” is so affected unless meant by family members or close friends.
“Love”is ok, unless repeated ad nauseam.