I am a director at a city firm. So quite senior, relatively speaking. New male hire joins the team. More junior than me albeit probably 15 years older but not a direct report. However, he will working closely with me on a project involving a big client (think large global multi national). So I’ve been spending a lot of time with him, KT/mentoring etc. He’s been here around 3 weeks and when we are alone whether virtual, phone or in person meetings he has a tendency to refer to me as “darling”. As in “that’s really helpful, thanks so much darling”. Or dare I say it, “alright darling”.
He is a nice guy, I don’t think he realises he’s saying it, he’s a bit old school. But, I’m not loving it. I know I should just tell him to stop. But I don’t love confrontation.
Has anyone ever experienced this and how have you dealt with it, withouf things being awkward. I shouldn’t care as he’s the one who has created the situation. But it’s not really appropriate in this day and age.
I remember a time in the noughties when it was the norm and I wouldn’t have thought twice about it in work, I had that and far worse.
But I work for a lovely firm now where people are very respectful of each other. I should just shrug and not think anything of it. But it’s bothering me.