What would you do if calling you "dear" really starts to irk you?
918162
It depends...I've been down this road with the "dears" and the "huns".  The only time I let that slide (sometimes) is if it's an older person...like 70s+ as they (most of the time) mean no disrespect and are just doing that out of habit for anyone young enough to be their children or grandchildren.  HOWEVER anyone else I will always let them know as politely as I can to please don't refer to me as "dear" or "honey", etc.  I ask them to please use my name when speaking with me.  I've gotten a few eyes rollin' or a quick look, but never had a bad comment or repercussion because of it.  It's just disrespectful I think to call anyone that - especially in a working situation.
630574
You simply tell them they're treating you like crap and be specific.  Then tell yourself to get rid of people that make you feel crappy or unhappy.
306695
I would stay far far away. Not call them or answer the phone. If I answered the phone I would say that I was busy. If they kept calling I would block whem with selective blocking. If I saw them in a store I would act like I didn't see them and walk away quickly. Then, fake it if I had to talk to them. I might have even been mean to them if they annoyed me or if I was with my friends.\n\nSorry, this was many years ago. The best answer is to tell someone that you don't like them that way and you don't want a relationship. Ask the person to respect your feelings and report them if they cross the line.
481555
you take them aside and ask them why they are treating you in a rude way, if they tell you then maybe you can work things out, or if they say to you tough luck, you need to take the person out of your life.
1120902
call sumone and dont say anything for a while when the reciever's all "Hello? Hello? Anybody there?" Say "how many times are you gonna say that? Your tearing my ear drums!" Then the person will ask "who do you want to speak with? " OR "who are you?" if the question is who do u wana spek to, answer : you. if he asks who r u, say its none of ur business. then the man'll ask : say OR u just start speaking : your bloody dog, killed my bloody cat, on the bloody road next to ur bloody house. how dare u let tht happen, u bloody person?" or say "i can seeeeeeeee u. ur the fat baldy wearing the towel rite? ha-ha! boy are u looking funny! try losing some weight, fatso." the man will get angry and say "where are you calling from?" answer : from the sky, why? next thing u no, he/she's hung up!\n\nP.S. be sure the guy/gal duznt hav a caller i-d
1034164
Actually, i'd rather someone told me. So, what you are doing is simply trying to help me and you're also considering my goodness.. What's better than this? On the other side, yeah i may become a little bit angry with myself, saying like how can i forget or ignore this.. But, certainly i'd appreciate you then.. :) So, keep it up, be yourself and don't pay attention to their reactions at that time, i think...
361378
It depends on the relationship I have with the person.  If they are family, I just get nasty with them and don't pull any punches.  (and I can strip someone with my tongue very easily)  If they are an acquaintance, I just ignore them.  In my situation, this is the worst possible insult they can receive as most folks around me like being in my company.  I let the person see me looking great, laughing (could be about them or not) and generally having a great time.  I'm like you, I prefer not to swear, as it shows poor manners, so sometimes my revenge is more a mental discipline then a verbal one.
206292
Listen first.  I mean really listen to what they are saying.  Try to see it their way, and agree with them.  Something like "I would have probably felt the same way!"  Then ask what you can do to make it better. \n\nThey probably just need to vent.  Just DON'T take it personally.  Some people of course are completely ridiculous and you can't help those ones, but most are somewhat reasonable, especially if they think you care.
842417
to irritate people like you
352069
If you want to hurt a guy verbally, I would say insult his family, insult his private, and insult his favorite music band. Basically speaking, diss on everything he likes
97437
Just say "That wasn't nice." when they say something harsh. Maybe they don't realize it.\n\nOtherwise, get new friends.
65094
Ignore, Ignore, Ignore.  People like that feed off of seeing your reactions to what they say.  Once they realize that it doesn't bother you or that they can't get a reaction from you, they will stop what they are doing!
1042865
If they're not being polite to you, why should you have to worry about being polite to them?
892069
It's an epidemic. I had a nurse in the doctor's office I'd never seen before call me 'dear'. The lady at the homeless shelter I went to yesterday (to donate) called me sweetheart. The cashier at the bank calls me darlin' and our waitress at IHOP calls me angel. And I'm just not that nice! I told the nurse my name was Mrs. N---- and when I got to know her a little better, she could call me 'Sue' - and was she ever offended! The rest of them I've just given up on!
1034301
Apologize the best way you can. I made a comment in an email to someone  and the comment offended them. It was unintentional so I explained and apologized.  Sincerity counts, otherwise forget it.That is the best you can do.
724208
"Shut the f up" Many days to many people, however, that would be horribly rude, it is just easier to walk away! God bless****
984999
I just smile sweetly at them and say "Thank you.  Have a nice day."\n\nIt's a sly way of telling them to piss off.  The contrast between your ultra-niceness and their rudeness will point out to them how rude they're being.