What does it mean if someone calls you 'my lovely' in a text.

Anonymous
My manager, who my colleague and I have a friendly relationship with (we go out, discuss personal issues etc) was with me the other day, to listen to me talk about something which has been bothering me.

When I was home, I texted him to say, 'Thank you for listening. You're really kind'.

He replied, "No problem, my lovely. Any time".

It surprised me a bit. He has a girlfriend (he thinks the relationship may (emphasis on MAY) end soon, but he still loves her. I don't know if he means this in a friendly way or if it means something else.

What do you think?
What does it mean if someone calls you 'my lovely' in a text.
2 Opinion