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.