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Original poster

To find 'pet' names unprofessional in CS?

216 replies

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:24

Am I being unreasonable to find the usage of pet names by customer service staff unprofessional?

I am the customer and a stranger, I expect to be treated with respect. My name isn't sweetheart, it isn't love, honey, darling or sweetie.

I think pet names are fine for family members, spouses or CLOSE friends. Am I being unreasonable to think there is a time and a place for such familiarity?

OP posts:
crazeekat · 14/10/2025 18:36

I don’t like the names either but don’t called people out on it, they are genuinely trying to be nice, or are really chilled at work, most don’t even realise they are doing it, it’s not a big deal but honestly you’ve been a dick to the guy calling ur man Pal, and really if you’re that insulted then u should stay home. All the time. My husband calls people like you misery guts.

Deedeebob · 14/10/2025 18:29

luckylavender · 14/10/2025 15:07

Embarrassed for you

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It’s so cringe isn’t it 🤣

Deedeebob · 14/10/2025 18:29

You need to lighten up!!!

Strop · 14/10/2025 18:26

Everyone referencing pet names as though they only happen in certain parts of the country is making me smile. Surely the point is they're used everywhere? It's not a specific northern thing or whatever.

Skybluepinky · 14/10/2025 15:35

I’m sure they don’t actually think of you in those lovely terms but if they were truthful you’d kick up a stink.

luckylavender · 14/10/2025 15:07

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:27

I hasten to add, we were in a bar the other day and my husband was referred to as "pal". I said to the bartender, "how do you know my husband for him to be your pal?"

Embarrassed for you

CompoCompoComp · 14/10/2025 15:00

OP, stay well clear of Ireland, North and South, if that's your attitude! It'll drive you mad there, that and the constant use of 'wee' for things than are neither small nor young.

CrazyGoatLady · 14/10/2025 14:58

Arcencielle · 14/10/2025 03:40

Are you autistic? (to take something like this so literally)

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I'm autistic and wouldn't make an issue of this, I think the issue is one of stuck up-ness, not neurodivergence!

CrazyGoatLady · 14/10/2025 14:49

Of all the hills to die on, this just isn't one of them. I don't remotely have the energy to get bent out of shape over this kind of thing, much less make an issue of it with a person paid minimum wage in hospitality.

OK, so you find it a bit annoying. But how possible is it to change it, really? And does it actually harm you? And if the answer is no to both, maybe it's a "let them" thing, because you only cause yourself more stress trying to control or police something that in practice, isn't hurting anybody, and most people don't even think twice about.

Life is honestly easier and less stressful without a stick up the behind.

GinaandGin · 14/10/2025 14:35

Flakey99 · 14/10/2025 12:41

Please don’t go oop North or to Ireland as you’ll hate us. 🤣🤣

This I'm in derry 🇮🇪, they'd last 1 min

Knowsley · 14/10/2025 13:13

@BedlingtonFloof , pal sounds quite rude to me, but it might be OK in some regions.

If I go somewhere like a bank, I do not want to be called love, darling, sweetheart, chuck, doll, duck, my lover, ...
The person serving should be aware that it's not acceptable.

xSideshowAuntSallyXx · 14/10/2025 13:10

Someone called me 'lovely' the other day. As in "there you go my lovely". I was in the supermarket, doesn't bother me.

Bus drivers, taxi drivers, the man at the kebab van, the guys on the market stalls. Sweetheart seems to be popular or darling. It's called being friendly.

Depending on county, you could get called "my duck" or "my love", or "pet".

I'd rather be called Sweetheart or darling than mate mind you. I find mate really something you'd call a man.

BedlingtonFloof · 14/10/2025 13:02

Totally normal where I am. On an average day, I could get called everything from love to doll to pal, and although some of the terms annoy me (I hate chick, personally, I never take offence because none is meant and people are just being nice. Can't imagine ever getting arsey with someone for calling me pal!

Mumof2wifeof1crazytimes · 14/10/2025 13:02

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:27

I hasten to add, we were in a bar the other day and my husband was referred to as "pal". I said to the bartender, "how do you know my husband for him to be your pal?"

You sound rude and pathetic with this reply.

tiresomee · 14/10/2025 12:54

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:27

I hasten to add, we were in a bar the other day and my husband was referred to as "pal". I said to the bartender, "how do you know my husband for him to be your pal?"

Poor bartender.

cramptramp · 14/10/2025 12:49

Get over yourself for gods sake. No one cares about what your name actually is, or if anyone thinks your husband is their pal or not. And I’m certain absolutely no one really thinks you are a sweetheart.

MeEspresso · 14/10/2025 12:49

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:27

I hasten to add, we were in a bar the other day and my husband was referred to as "pal". I said to the bartender, "how do you know my husband for him to be your pal?"

How embarrassing.

bookedanappointment · 14/10/2025 12:47

BigFatBully · 14/10/2025 00:44

If they really knew me, they wouldn't be calling me lovely, hehe. 😂😂😉

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Clearly.

YorkshireGoldDrinker · 14/10/2025 12:44

Those are all terms of endearment and many are regional. It might be cheesy from time to time in certain situations, but I'll take cheesy over sterile and uptight.

Flakey99 · 14/10/2025 12:41

Please don’t go oop North or to Ireland as you’ll hate us. 🤣🤣

GinaandGin · 14/10/2025 12:41

Thisisbetweenyoumeandtheinternet · 14/10/2025 12:18

Your username is apt. You’re lucky the bar man didn’t spit in your drink. They’re being friendly… you sound like a twat!

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I would have refused to serve her anymore with that toffee nosed attitude. Bars have the right to refuse service .

GinaandGin · 14/10/2025 12:38

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:27

I hasten to add, we were in a bar the other day and my husband was referred to as "pal". I said to the bartender, "how do you know my husband for him to be your pal?"

I surprised someone with your delicate sensibilities was in a bar..
You sound high maintenance and a place like the savoy would suit you better.
You sound hard work and high maintenance.
You have little to worry about
Get a grip precious one

Princesspollyyy · 14/10/2025 12:28

You sound like a barrel of laughs OP

Thisisbetweenyoumeandtheinternet · 14/10/2025 12:18

BigFatBully · 13/10/2025 17:27

I hasten to add, we were in a bar the other day and my husband was referred to as "pal". I said to the bartender, "how do you know my husband for him to be your pal?"

Your username is apt. You’re lucky the bar man didn’t spit in your drink. They’re being friendly… you sound like a twat!

PoliteSquid · 14/10/2025 12:09

Also OP if you really did say that in a bar you were staggeringly impolite to the staff member!!

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