Recently I had someone thank me for calling him by his name. I was like, "Um, what else would I have called you?" I was really confused. Haha. Turns out he also hated being called "Sweetie" or "Babe" or whatever.
I think the people that don't like it either think someone is not using their name either because 1) they simply don't remember it or 2) they are trying to create a too-rapid/fake feeling of intimacy (like,
we're basically strangers, how am I possibly your sweetheart already?). I can see how either wouldn't go over well!
As Alecia said, it is definitely a southern cultural thing to use terms of endearment with people you've just met. I hope anyone who does have that pet peeve keeps that in mind. Especially when you're in the south.
Ain't no harm meant by it, sugar.
FWIW, I still refuse to call my girls Candy, Sugar, Sparkle Plenty, etc. I make every effort to learn their real FIRST name (in complete confidence, of course) and use it whenever I contact them. To them it's a business, to me it's a relationship.
Originally Posted by eccl3
When I'm writing to someone for a reference, I have a very hard time typing "Hey, Sparkle Motion/SugarBritches/XXXHottie4uXXX, John Doe would like you to vouch for him..." I always look to see if she has a regular name on her site or profile somewhere. I don't care if it's her Real Name or her fake real name or her fake fake real name, as long as I can type it with a straight face.