What's with young people addressing their elders as "Hon, Honey, Dear or Sweetheart" ?

[1voice1LIFE]

Is this a new trend? This year I've noticed young people in service-type positions addressing me this way. 'Thanks Hon!" or "Can I help you Sweetie?" I'm a young 60 but clearly look more mature than someone in their 20's, 30's or even 40's. At a glance one could tell that I'm their elder; heck, I could be their mother or grandmother!

Is it meant to be a put down or just a new of being personable? If it's meant to be a cheerful manner of communication, what's wrong with a bright & cheery "Thank you!" "Hope you enjoy your day", or "How can I help you?" Maybe I'm old fashioned; I believe in addressing elders as Ma'am, Miss or Sir to get eye contact with the intent to begin conversing. I don't approach a service counter employee with "Hi Honey, I'd like to make a return please". I find this behavior to be condescending and disrespectful to elders. There's no need to 'tag' cheerful statements to strangers--whether starting a conversation or ending a transaction.

What's your opinion? Frankly, when spoken to this way I feel like responding with "You're welcome Cupcake!" or " No thanks, I'm fine Sugarplum!". Maybe they'll get the hint.

[AjasLipstick]

No I agree with you and I am 46. I think it's a gradual erosion of basics being taught at home.

[Justanotheruser01]

When I was in customer service it was sir madam Mr Mrs miss ms etc it went through me when colleagues used those friendly terms

[MissLingoss]

An elderly (female) friend of mine and her equally elderly sister were once addressed as 'guys' by a waiter. It's not good service because it's not aimed at making the customer feel comfortable.

It's perfectly possible to say a polite and friendly good morning, please, thank you, goodbye, etc, without all these extra endearments.

[GreenDinosaur]

I think the hun brigade just call everybody that regardless. I've bought a couple of things from strangers on Facebook selling and messages are full of Hun, Sweetie and xxx, it's so weird. You don't know me, why are so you sending kisses?

[GreenDinosaur]

*ignore random 'so' in the last sentence please.

[PurpleMac]

I have every single one of those examples but then last week I called one of the most senior women in government "love" because it is so engrained it everything I say, so I really cannot complain.

[forthelifeofpomme]

Hate it so much, I was called 'honey' the other day. WTAF. Unfortunately I'm too slow to come up with a suitable polite retort so just sup that shit up.