Maybe it's a northern thing.
Maybe it's a city girl thing.
Maybe it's a child of the 60's thing.
But I absolutely HATE it when someone I don't know calls me darling. Especially when that person is a salesman.
It's very patronizing. And to me, it means you don't care enough about me or my business to use my name.
But that's just my opinion, so I looked it up.
According to the urban dictionary, a darling is a term of endearment for a great friend, or soon-to-be romantic partner.
Sorry, but I am none of these. I am your CUSTOMER. We have a BUSINESS relationship.
I'm much more tolerant in my personal relationships. After all, this is the South. I get called "honey," "sweetie" and "darling" all the time and just let it slide.
But professional relationships are different. I expect respect and have a low tolerance for ignorance. Surely you wouldn't walk into a classroom as a student and call the teacher or professor "darling."
And while we are on the subject of professional relationships, I have other expectations.
If you are a salesperson, I expect you to know your products. If I ask for a grease resistant package, I expect one. If I ask for Swiss cheese, I expect the cheese with holes, not individually wrapped "Process Swiss-American Cheese."
I also expect a basic understanding of my business. Walk into my shop and look around. Do you see ready made pastries? Frozen cinnamon rolls? Twinkies?
Notice the "Back To Scratch" signage? OK, so don't offer me ready-made pastries or frozen bagels and cinnamon rolls.
In other words, THINK. Make me believe you have paid some attention to my business.
And, if you want me to buy stuff from you, you'll call me Mary or Miss Mary.
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