Is it wrong to call women "Sweetheart" on the phone?

I work as a telephone agent. My last caller insisted on calling me "sweetheart" during the call. He was an older gentleman. I get this from time to time, especially from older men in the American South. When guys talk like that, I feel a mix of feelings as a woman, both valued but also patronized.

Do you think it's good or bad when men talk to women this way? Why do you think so?

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Piper · 61-69, F

I've never thought of it in terms of good, bad or wrong, so much, except when it comes off as clearly condescending. It's not always easy to tell, but most times...it is.

Personally, it doesn't matter much if it's a man or a woman calling me an endearment like "sweetheart", when it seems patronizing.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@Piper when is being condescending good?

Piper · 61-69, F

@samueltyler2 Maybe you didn't notice the "except when", in my first sentence above.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@Piper i saw the phrase as almost a double negative, sorry if i misinterpreted.