June 27, 2003

Pet peeve #937

Strangers who call me "babe" or "hon," or any other term of endearment

Some years ago, I wasn't paying close attention while driving in stop-and-go traffic. Or, rather, I was paying attention to the hair of some pedestrians, rather than to the car in front of me. So, I hit the car in front of me.

Going rather slowly, I didn't do much damage (- to that car. The hood of my parent's car did a crumpling act). But it was a new bumper that I marred, so the driver's girlfriend, who was the owner of the car, wasn't too pleased. I hope I didn't negatively impact their relationship.

I still remember that when she called me, she called me "hon." Which I thought was pretty weird, considering we'd never met, and I had hit her car. And I certainly hadn't endeared myself to her.

Posted by Shokufeh at June 27, 2003 04:32 PM
Comments

there is a boy in our department who calls girls "flower". contrary to your pet peeve, i quite enjoy this. but mostly because the word is "flower". when he sometimes calls me "sugar", i get a little grossed out.

Posted by: meisa at June 28, 2003 11:07 AM

Does this really bug you? I actually like it. I even do it sometimes. At a restaurant the other day, a girl in a tight dress was seated at the next table. Her back was facing me, and her zipper was slowly, slowly, slowly unzipping. (Yikes.) When she got up to go to the bathroom, I followed and whispered, "Honey, you're unzipping." I thought by starting with "honey" she'd know that I was sympathizing and taking care of her -- not kidding and laughing behind her back.

Posted by: +mojan. at June 28, 2003 03:55 PM

hon and sweetie are alright, depending on whose saying it. what i absolutely can't stand is being hissed at by guys on the street, in the mall, at the movie theater. i don't know there's nothing in the sound of "pssssst..." that i find attractive enough to acknowledge. i mean, i assume these guys are getting some play from this, but, really who is thinking this is cute?

i do, however, love the guys at Panera who call me bonita. that's sweet.

Posted by: Kari at June 30, 2003 01:37 PM