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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Iwantyourhotwife · 22-25

How does it make you feel patronized?

ShadowSister · 46-50, F

@Iwantyourhotwife Hmm, good question. Not sure I can put it into words. But my teacher used to say, if you think you understand something but can't explain it, you probably don't really understand it.

I think it's because I'm in a professional environment. When he calls me sweetheart, he's moving it out of the realm of professional. Makes me feel like he values me for my pretty voice rather than my skills as an agent.