Need the mumsnet jury on this one - just to confirm that DP and I are right and his friend is wrong
DPs friend is a plumber, hes a lovely guy if a little OTT and hypercheerful, he always makes me smile. Thing is, he has this awful habit of calling women "luv" in the total stereotypical way that completely puts my back up. I forgive him because i know he doesn't mean anything by it and its just his way. But he has had problems with clients - why can't he understand that women really dont want to be called luv. It sounds condescending and patronising. Its ok coming from the old lady in the cake shop, but not from the plumber who is supposed to be entering into a professional contract and doing work in your house.
He says why should he change, its just his way - he is very "cor blimey ows yer father" and i do find it quite endearing, however the love thing does make my hackles rise.
Would it be a deal breaker for you if you needed work done in your home and the tradesman was "alright luv, dont worry about it, i'll sort if for ya" even if he is Mr lovely Smiley plumber? My DP is a carpenter and occasionally this guy has done some work for DP and vice verse and DP has had to tell him"for christ sake don't call her luv"
Your considerations?