(August 27, 2016 at 12:38 am)Whateverist Wrote:(August 27, 2016 at 12:31 am)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: I call women "sweetie" often enough. Oddly enough, the only time I tendered offense (to my knowledge) was here in Texas, where such sweet nothings are commonplace, rather than SoCal, where it's rare.
As with so many things, context and setting count for a lot. But wherever two people are involved there will always be the chance of not being on the same wavelength. Don't think I'd fall all over myself apologizing where that happens.
When she voiced her discomfort, I apologized immediately, though to be honest I was almost as irritated as I was sorry. But I'm not a gal, and don't know how it might feel to be addressed so familiarly in a manner that could be construed as condescending. And as you suggest, I took the opportunity to think about, and modulate, my approach to waitstaff. I no longer call them "sweetie" unless I know them and know they won't mind.
What a sacrifice, eh?
