Work-Related Rant: Don't Call Me Darlin'!!!

ExpatPumpkin

Just got off a call with a prospective client. After giving him phenomenal free advice - if I do say so myself - he says: [b]Thank you, darlin'[/b] Ahhhhh, I have a master's degree and a CFP professional designation (two additional years of graduate level classes)!!! I am not your granddaughter, thankyouverymuch... Anyone else?

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt

Nah, I think that's cute He probably thought you were helpful and personable. I've never known an older gentleman to call a woman "darlin'" when he didn't have positive feelings about her. Now if it was something like "baby" or "sweettits" then I might have an issue.

Nebb

I actually dont mind being called things like that (sugar, darlin, honey, etc), as long as its not in a creepy way.

ExpatPumpkin

His tone inferred that he was amused at getting such advice from a woman

J&K10910

That would bother me too.  But I worked in a field where you don't get taken too seriously if you're young (which I was, and looked even younger), so I'm particularly sensitive to things like that.  I was constantly getting asked how old I was. 

Brie2010

My boss just flipped out on some kid because he kept repeatedly referring to her and me as "you guys."  After we got done meeting with him she TOOK HIM ASIDE IN A PRIVATE ROOM and was like, "You do not call two women that you are trying to impress 'YOU GUYS.'  Seriously!" She is still fuming over it.  This is why I think I might love my boss, even though she is kind of a maniac.

MissLeahM

I usually get "Thanks Sweetheart"To which i usually respond "I'm sorry, my name is Leah"

aMrsin09

eh, I lived near Baltimore.  I've been called Hun by so many people I don't even notice stuff like that anymore.  You can usually tell when it's just a local speach pattern and when its derogatory

georgia_bride09

In a professional setting, I'd be bothered; if it's the greeter at Walmart, I wouldn't mind. I think there's a time and a place for that sort of talk.

pinkpinot

I work in sales and sometimes I talk to male clients who get a little too friendly for my liking but today actually one of them found me on facebook and sent me a message.  I found it odd and it makes me want to delete my profile. 

Mrs.C-To-Be

If they say it with that condescending tone, it bothers the crud out of me.  I once had a guy call me "Sweetie" while we were in a disagreement.  I told him to not ever do that to me again, and he proceeded to tell me he meant it in no harm, but that is what he calls his little girl.  Excuse me?  I am not your little girl nor am I 7, so please refrain from being so demeaning.  Thanks so much. :)I feel your aggravation, Expat!

[Deleted User]

Now if it was something like "baby" or "sweettits" then I might have an issueHahaha, I just pictured a client saying that and it's pretty disturbing.

tidetravel

It bothers me at work too - especially because it's people that try to sweet talk their way out of paying a fine that I just wrote them or get their cargo cleared without the proper documents.  I want to say, "Dude.  Do you NOT see the badge?"

fangsiting

I have a client like that.  He's actually very nice, but occasionally he winks at me and calls me inappropriate things like sweetheart, babe.  I can't remember which term he used, but it totally through me off guard.  I am your attorney, not a girl you are trying to pick up at a bar.   

britne28

I hate that!  My name is not honey, sweetheart, dear, darling, etc.   The only people who get to call me other than my name is my FI and my family.   Other people do not get to use terms of endearment.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt

Andress, there used to be a guy who lived here that I would help out because he couldn't use his arms very well to push his wheelchair. He'd call me baby exclusively. It made me want to puke. He was old enough to be my great-grandfather. I asked him to stop several times and he just didn't get it. Very very creepy.

reddy123

my parents have called each other nothing but "hon" (short for honey) my whole life, so when someone calls me 'hun' I feel gross... I always think, I am NOT your hun!

cengle

Yeah, I'm "sweetheart" to several clients.  Some don't bother me: there's an older lady who calls me baby, but she does it to my male boss too, so that just makes me chuckle.  But the weird old men who call the office when they sound intoxicated? Yeah, that creeps me out.  It creeps me out more when weird clients show up to the office when they don't have an appointment and I'm the only one here.  I'm glad the boss keeps his golf clubs here....weird tangent. Sorry.

[Deleted User]

Ahh Vogt that would creep me out too!  I agree that Darlin isn't that bad but there are some that cross the line.