This is a bit of a light hearted, first world problem kinda post. It's not super serious or intended to be controversial in any way!
I'm just wondering if anyone else hates being called "babe" or "babes" by other women?
I discovered yesterday that I really dislike this 😂
I've never been called that before and it seems to be a predominantly younger person thing. I mean, I've had Darl, Pet, Love, Hun, Sweetheart - those have never really bothered me. I think maybe because they're used or at least intended endearingly.
I was hit with the babe/babes about 4 times (by different clients and a new colleague) at work yesterday. It grated my nerves more each time lol. I can't help but feel like it's really patronising, condescending and maybe a little bit fake?
I try really hard to create a professional, respectful relationships with those I work with and I think maybe it's the tone that accompanies the babe/babes as well. At one point I almost felt like one client used it in a way that when she said "babes" it felt more like "you're an idiot".
Do you think I'm within my rights to politely ask people not to call me babe/babes? Or in a professional setting do I just suck it up and deal?
9 Replies
I personally find it cringey but certainly not enough that I would mention it to anyone especially if the people were only clients or acquaintances.
Slight tangent but while we're there.
I can't do smiley faces in professional emails.
I'm with you. 'Babe' has no place in a professional setting.
Definitely not in a professional setting.
I don't notice when friends I've known for years say it, but a colleague, stranger or client is just crongey.
Yes you can politely ask for them to stop calling you anything that you aren’t comfortable with. I am with you on this, I am not a fan of it and find all these pet names for people quite fake. My kids also feel awkward when people call them names like this.
I don’t like being called babe or hon by anyone. Yick!
I have a name, use it.
Lighten up.
Wow seems I am one of these people ha ha! Not sure it’s age either as I’m 40 🤷♀️ I absolutely don’t mean it in a fake way. I genuinely really like 95% of my colleagues so I guess I’m comfortable using “babe” with some. Looking at these comments an awful lot that don’t like it 😳 may need to gauge people’s reactions in future to make sure I’m not making anyone uncomfortable 🤣
I hate bring called 'woman'. It's incredibly disrespectful and patronising.
Babe, on the other hand , I'm ok with from others but it's cringy if it's what partners call each other. Yuck.
I have been called ‘sweetheart’ a few times over the last week or so by customers (on the phone) and it’s a sleazy / annoyed / placating kinda way. Absolutely grates! I just let it slide off. A colleagues accent annoys me too haha, so I’ll let it go!