When I was young, I used to HATE them--in high school I even broke up with the nicest (and prettiest) girl I ever knew because she called me "Sugar Bear" in the hall. (Come to think of it, I still might)...

When I was managing a guitar store, we had a salesgirl at a company in the deep South who would call us "puddin'". One of the other guys got a big kick out of that! I thought it was pretty cool. There was a British lady at another company who would call me "love" in her luscious accent...you better believe I bought and sold LOTS of her products!

I would never call a casual acquaintance like a co-worker anything like "sweetie" or "hon", and not very many others, either.

I think the rules are different for men and women. Since men are "supposed" to make the advances, and women are perceived to lack power in this sort of exchange, men are often (correctly) assumed to pigs when they do this. Women, however, are perceived to be "sweet" and "caring" when they do the same thing. I think the use of such terms becomes more acceptable the closer the relationship becomes--hence the name "terms of endearment".

Bottom line: you can call me "puddin'" or "love" in the appropriate accent anytime!

Later, Babe!<g>
DJ