I'm gonna be the devil's advocate on this one. I also live in the South. The deep South. I don't think there is a day that has ever gone by in my life where after having a conversation with an older person, I haven't been called darlin, sweetheart, or the like.

I know the issue is mainly that it was an older man speaking to a younger woman. I get it. I get why it isn't accepted anymore. However, most people using those terms are doing so as a form of respect and do not see it as inappropriate.

It's a culture thing. While a lot of things in the South still need to change and get with the times, the people who grew up in the era where that was the norm just aren't going to change.

That's why younger generations have always felt that they are smarter and more advanced than the previous generations.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just wanted to explain another point of view.