Why do older women like to call people honey?

[Free]

I've always used "sir" or "ma'am" when addressing my elders. It's just something that was drilled into my head as a child.

At work, I address people by their names, unless I don't know it, then I simply introduce myself and politely ask their name.

I do call a very dear friend "love" often, I hope it's not offensive.

As far as the older gals using hon, sweety, honey, sugar, etc.. I think it's just a generation thing and more often than not isn't meant to be patronizing, though it still is used in such ways.

 

[invisible]

 

[Ethel]

Being overly-nice in an odd manner is a serious sign that shows that kind of person needs to be avoided. It is generally a way cold people try to hide beneath soft words, but their intentions and thoughts are usually cruel and sly.