Why do old men always call me "sweetie"?

[shaysh87]

I'm in my 20s and I've noticed a pattern where it's always guys at least 10 years older than me who call me sweetie. Guys my age never call me that. Even older women dont call me that, unless they're a 75 yr old lady.

[sirderpsalot123]

I don't think it's anything to be offended about. When men your age creepily flirt with you, do they call you "sweetie" or "sweetheart"? I doubt they do. That's an old person thing. I've been called sweetheart by old women before. I have never heard any man in their 20s say those things. The only time I've heard younger people say is it when woman say it.

[shaysh87]

I’m 26 and I have guys as old as 36-60 who call me that

[sirderpsalot123]

That's what I said. Older people just talk that way. If they wanted to creepily flirt with you something they would use much more vulgar language like younder dudes do. I really don't see what's offensive about being called "sweetie" I am a man and have been called this several times by older woman.

[sirderpsalot123]

And if you're getting at it being condescending, they would probably just call you "female"

[shaysh87]

i still find it weird. why is it only old guys who say it to me? why not older women? why not guys around my age? it just makes me feel like that my gender and age is noticed.

[Anonymous]

I believe it’s just a generational thing. I remember many males in my family calling my sisters sweetie, a term of endearment. I don’t believe it has anything to do w sexualization. It’s just how some people were raised. For instance, a lot of Hispanic women call their baby girls mami or mama.

[shaysh87]

what does it mean if a hispanic man also calls you mama? i heard it was usually when a man is trying to hit on you. but not necessarily.

[Opinion Owner]

It could go either way. Doesn’t necessarily mean he’s hitting on you, but he could be. I think this is just rooted in the way a lot of them talk. Maybe from the Olsen days that all women in the culture would eventually become mothers. I’m not sure 100% on this one. That’s the only thing I can conclude from my thoughts.

[shaysh87]

yaa i agree. I have noticed a lot of old guys 40+ also call me "young lady" a lot. Kinda perplexed me cuz nobody really says that nowadays especially modern folks

[Opinion Owner]

I get what you mean. Again probably just a generational thing. Words of kindness. I’ve heard it used when my sisters got in trouble. When someone would say, young lady, come here. Just terms of respect, being polite that kids nowadays don’t get cause a lot of that is going away. Not to mention people get offended when terms like that are used, they start assuming things.

[skyeee_]

that's how old people talk. well i mean, what else are they supposed to call you? here they use "sweetie" as a term to anyone 10+ years younger than them.

[Gwenhwyfar]

Cause they’re douche bags who are sexualizing you when they do it

[sirderpsalot123]

Doubt that. That's just how old people talk.

[Gwenhwyfar]

@sirderpsalot123 yeah you’re probably right. I was being too harsh.

[sirderpsalot123]

Cool. I was hoping that didn't start an argument 😂

[Anonymous]

Yeah I have noticed the same thing about older women, always calling me sweetie or darling.

[shaysh87]

older women never say it to me

[Opinion Owner]

Funny, older men never call me sweetie either.

[michael1469]

Well, there are worse names they could call you. Be thankful its just sweetie.

[Wise4myage]

Probably just being nice.

[Danny_dan92]

Term of endearment