you deserve it. I hate informalities like that!

Born in Ala, raised in Miss and spent my adult life living in Tx and TN with frequent trips all over the South. I hear more actors and actresses using those terms on TV and movies when playing Southern characters than I have heard it in real life. I personally don't like it the use of those terms. It's an affectation of an unsophisticated Southerner.

I think it depend on who's saying it. I like it if its coming from an older woman, but from a younger woman I feel it's demeaning and just odd from a man.

I work in a "Texas Diner" and I don't do that. I don't like people calling me those names either.

Some businesses policies forbid such, because of a lot of "sexual harassment" charges filed against workers...I've worked at a few places with policies against using "dear, darling, hun, to name a few. Might be time to read the fine print on what is/isn't acceptable in your company's policy before you lose your job...being in a "Texas" diner won't fly as an excuse if the policy forbids use of certain terms as an employee while on duty (even if it's acceptable in everyday public interactions outside of the diner)

my old boss said it's offensive. ..I do it anyways

I hate people that use Hon, darlin, buddy skipper, Moe, captan or any other saying when speaking to some else. If you don't know their name or forgot, just ask.

Is your boss from New York or something? That's half the charm of Southern diners.

I work at Cracker Barrel and they tell us not to do that either. Apparently it can offend other diners if you're not as friendly to them. I guess they feel left out, I say hey grow up and get over it.

So you have to act stereotypical?