Sweet, Honey

[LikeTheDeadSea]

I'm 26 and this is my first school year at my current school. I've worked in the same position but for a different district the last 3 school years and have never had this issue until now.

"Thanks so much, Sweetie."

"Thanks, Hun, I really appreciate it."

"Thanks, sweetheart, blah blah blah."

I've been getting the sweetie/sweetheart/hun nicknames this year from parents on phone calls and some staff members in the building. The building staff stopped doing it after I addressed it directly because that is definitely an unprofessional way to address me in front of parents! I'm not sure if my voice just sounds young, but I have been younger/newer to all of this and have never had this occur so repetitively.

My general plan was to just let it go for the rest of the school year since I'm leaving this position next year, but I'm wondering if anyone else has similar experiences?

[basketball13]

I too am younger, 24. I get it all of the time from staff. Occasionally from parents. I don't mind it though. In fact, I can of like it. For some reason it puts me at ease lol. Growing up, when I would go to the dr. or dentist and I was greeted like that, it made me feel more comfortable. My family talks like that a lot too. When I initially started working as nurse in the hospital at age 22, I got pet names all of the time from patients, other nurses, doctors, etc. Again, it never bothered me. Other nurses would ask me my age a lot and be surprised at how young I was. A nasty surgeon though who hadn't met me, went to the nurses' station and said the nurse of the patient in room # needs to come with me to that room for rounds. I walked in and he says "What are you in high school? You can't be the nurse." In front of the patient... He was always mean to the nurses. My first year, I struggled some with the older nursing aids. It was hard for me to delegate and they often looked down at me age. Eventually, I overcame it. I also struggled with patient visitors at times due to my age.

[amoLucia]

I'm guilty as charged with using "Hon" and "Sweetheart". Sorry, but I don't remember names; I even have problems with faces of family & friends.

First time I ever went to pickup BF at his work, I drove around the block 3 times before I stopped for the one man that was still standing there at the door and waving at me. I've walked past my sister in the airport, and cousins and an aunt in parking lots. Names and faces mean little to me.

So "Hon" and "Sweetie" are not meant in any disrespectful manner. It's better than a 'hey you' or 'yo'.

I find no offense when I'm addressed as such. Now, you can make me smile with a purred "Sugar" or "Darlin".

[guest83140]

I wouldn't leave because of that but I understand your feelings. I used to say things like that in my younger days in the hosp and I still do 30 years later because of habit. I occasionally catch myself with students and parents on the phone. I think I picked it up from someone here in the south I admired and thought it was a nice friendly gesture. It's a hard habit to break, umm, so don't take it too personal. I did it at 25, 35, 45, ...and didn't really realize it. Hope that helps.

[cooties_are_real]

I use pet names all the time with my student's. No one has ever said anything about it. I do refrain from talking to adults that way. I have caught myself a few times calling a few teachers by a pet name and cringe when I do. It's hard when you have been on campus long enough to have students come back as teachers. I've had to watch myself very closely this year. I have 3 on staff that came back as teachers.

[tining, BSN, RN]

Hon is almost a substitute for ahh or umm. It started in Highlandtown, Hon, a very ethnic area of the city. I haven't partaken the annual Hon Festival, but have seen it on the news. Think "Hairspray" celebration and that about describes it.

But only the Divine & Ricki Lake version of hairspray, not the creepy Travolta one.

[grammy1]

I frequently call the not-so-frequent students sweetie and hon because I can't remember their names. I realized a long time ago, that some get really offended if I don't remember names, so I've resorted to sweetie and hon.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

But only the Divine & Ricki Lake version of hairspray, not the creepy Travolta one.

I agree, the original can't be beat. Just saw a middle school production in Montgomery County (think one of the richest counties in the country) that rivaled a Broadway production. Being multicultural in that area, not one "Hon" was uttered. Blasphemy I say, blasphemy!

[Amethya]

I had the same nursing instructor!

And so I never use "pet" names for patients.

However, they can call me sweetie or honey if they wish.

As long as they aren't that creepy salesman!!

My teacher was the same way. After I left school, I just didn't care anymore. Of course, I still call them Mr., Mrs., Ms., but sometimes I let a hon slip out or sweetie, but eh. I work with kids now, so it's okay.