The Comeback

What to say when someone calls you “Sweetie” (by popular-ish demand) …

The Warning: I don’t THINK so.

The Light-Hearted Snark: ‘Sweetie?’ <Turns and looks behind> I thought you were talking to a 3-year-old!

The You’d-Be-Surprised: It’s interesting that you think I’m sweet, when I’ve got a long line of exes who’ll tell you different.

The Not-Going-to-Sugar-Coat-It: I prefer it when people speak to me as an adult.

The Informative Tutorial: You know, research shows when adults are spoken to like children, common reactions are decreased self-esteem, depression, withdrawal, and trouble making independent decisions. Turns out it’s actually toxic.

Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels