"For me, this comes down to intention. Does he say these things to make you feel like an insider or a target? Does he say it with a genuine, friendly smile or a hint of menace? What’s the power dynamic involved? Is he in a position of authority over you? Does he talk to everyone like this or do you feel singled out? All of these can factor into how I feel about this kind of talk. - Wendy Stokes 'Make It Stop: Strange men won't stop calling me baby!"
I am willing to concede that in some places—for instance, diners in New Jersey, where waitresses calling both female and male customers “Hon” seem to be as much a part of the ambience as Formica tabletops, Naugahyde benches and glass sugar dispensers—it may well be true. But I firmly believe that, in nearly every other context, use of these terms of endearment by total strangers is not only inappropriate but also—whether consciously or unconsciously on the speaker’s part—condescending and demeaning." - Susan Hooper 'Please Don't Call Me "Hon"
i researched more in to where the feelings of being creeped out and patronised stem from; the above quote from an article by Stokes highlights that the feelings associated with these terms stem from the unknown intention by the sayer, as Stokes mentions, women don't know the intent of the men calling them these 'terms of endearment', it could be completely harmless; used to make the woman feel comfortable or friendly, however it could also be used as a power move, the reduce women to pet names and sweet objects. Due to the many different connotations the woman could view the word as, it seems that calling the woman by her name rather than a name you've given her would be the safest, most respectful way to go.
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