Terms Of Endearment

[BlackVelvet007]

Recently, while talking to a spankee, I used the phrase "Good Girl" when she told me something positive in her life (either an accomplishment or just something good that happened). I was called on the carpet for it because it sounded "condescending". This happened with more than one person, so I thought it'd make a good discussion topic.

I certainly never intended it to be derogatory or condescending. To me, it was a term of endearment being given to someone I care for a lot. But it made me realize that I do tend to use a lot of terms of endearment which could be considered in a negative view. I tend to address play partners as "sweetie" a lot. All of my play partners are intelligent, rational women who are just as smart, if not smarter, than I am. That doesn't stop me from using the terms I mentioned.

I think most of it comes from my interactions with my own family. Even at 37, my parents still address me with a lot of cutesy kiddie names. I just write it off under the thought that no matter HOW old you are (college graduation, marriage, kids of your own), you will ALWAYS be a young child in your parents' eyes. Those of you who have children of your own, and those of you whose parents are still with you in this world, I'm betting can relate to that.

So how about it folks? Tops, do you address spankees with similar terms of endearment? Does it sometimes garner negative feedback?
Spankees, your thoughts on this are most welcome.