Is it rude for strangers to call you ‘my lovely’?

THE poor gentleman from Sutton Coalfield who is upset at being called ‘my lovely’ by his GP’s receptionist (Letters) should move to a practice a little farther north, where the common greeting is ‘Me duck’. That would, I suppose, drive him quackers.

TONY NORCROSS, St Helens, Merseyside. SO, I am not the only person to take exception at being called ‘my lovely’. This has happened to me several times and in different situations. I did admonish one person for lack of manners. But it would seem this is now an accepted way to address people not of your acquaintance.

A. JONES, Torquay, Devon.

IN LANCASHIRE, the term used to greet people is ‘love’; in Derbyshire, it’s ‘duck’ or ‘duckie’; and in the North-East it’s ‘pet’. With all the terrible things going on in the world, why complain about something so trivial?

ELAINE SMITH, Littleover, Derbys. I AGREE that everyone should be treated with dignity and be addressed accordingly. However, my sister is delighted that her postman calls her sweetheart. To be called ‘my lovely’ is a compliment and should be greeted with a smile.

JEAN MOORE, East Barnet, Herts.

I’M HAPPY to be addressed as ‘my lovely’. I don’t object to darling, sweetheart, love, my love, sunshine, bach or cariad. I am thrilled to be called ‘young man’. Some people are easily pleased while others are easily offended.

ROGER VINCE, Upper Brynamman, Carmarthenshire. I HAVE been surprised to be greeted as ‘buddy’ and ‘mate’ by shop assistants and delivery men. When I performed similar roles, I called customers Sir until I knew them and after that they were Mr so and so. How can I be your mate or buddy when we have never met? If you call someone Sir, you are not admitting they are better than you. You’re just observing a common courtesy.

D. SAPSED, Bognor Regis, W. Sussex.