Q I am an “older woman” who has worked hard, raised a family, and valued my education. I feel I have lived a good life.
My issue is that when I am out tending to my own business, some individuals will call me “honey,” “dear,” or “sweetie.”
They may hold a door open for me, they may pick up something that I have dropped, or perhaps offer some other gesture they consider to be helpful.
It is not that I don’t appreciate kindness as I think they are trying to be helpful, but I find this somewhat demeaning. They don’t know my capabilities or how I prefer to be addressed.