[youtalkfunny]

I never use "darlin'" or "hon'", but I often use "sweetheart", "kid", or "kiddo" (like Humphrey Bogart would--no condescension implied).

It's almost always clear that there's nothing flirtatious in the way I say it.

I've only had one person react negatively, and she's the type that goes around looking to be offended by the slightest thing. She seemed shocked that the next time I saw her, I didn't verbally react to her saying "Hello". Truth is, if she took such great offense to a greeting such as a smile and a friendly "Hey, kid!", I figured I was better off not greeting her at all.