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 [b]always[/b] 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.