[Spank-A-Thon]

Great post Meryl! Allow me to add my own comments.

Originally Posted by merylsilverburg

Ah but you see, that's in England and it's normal for those terms to be used. I mean, if I were to go to England and have someone say that to me, I wouldn't be offended since it's a common term...nothing to get worked up about.
But, here in the States, there aren't many people who use "hon" or "love" or "babe" as non-sexual. Older people, yes (like, the other day, an older woman referred to me as "Hon" but that didn't disturb me) but not younger ones, unless they're brought up differently. A lot of men in the States tend to use "babe" as in "Damn, you're hot! I want some of that". Or "honey" or "sweet cheeks" or "baby", etc. Yes, it's true that couples use it but that's 'cause they're couples...they're using these as pet names with each other.
But as I said before, younger people use it at times, but it depends on the person. If the person, male or female, use "hon" or "babe", you'll just have to see what the person is like...whether they're coming onto you or something.

So basically, a lot of what is deemed acceptable behaviour is down to your environment. For example, in many parts of Africa is the norm for women to be always topless whilst that would be considered unacceptable in the UK. I would imagine (although I could be wrong) that in Japan it would be dishonourable to address a man as "love" like women here 'Oop North do. Its obvious that societal norms dictate how behaviour is interperated and thus is acceptance.

Originally Posted by merylsilverburg

Yes, well...women tend to be more cruel, heh.

Yet men can be equally cruel in different way. Or as I prefer to think of it, if you're an arse - you're an arse irrespective of sex, colour, race or any other way of classifying a person!

Originally Posted by merylsilverburg

Uh..well...I'm not overly-sensitive but if I were to get a wolf-whistle or a "Hey baby", I'd say I would be stunned/irritated. That's because women don't really know whether these remarks are actual genuine compliments or if these guys are just saying it just to "get some". Women do have to protect themselves. Of course, there are dumb women who fall for it and get screwed over, but that's another story.
For me, I'd say the best compliment would be to get a "look" (not like, bulging eyes and very obvious movement of eyes, but more a side/hidden glance)...not actually a voiced out opinion...but that's just me though, everyone's different.

Of course a lot of male behaviour is almost inherently genetic in that over the years men have been expected to wolf-whistle, whilst women have expected to hear it - that of course doesn't mean it's correct or acceptable. But again, due to my environment a wolf-whistle is relatively inoffensive compared to some offerings I have heard. I guess it's hard for me to understand the significance of such things given a) my sex, and b) my environment.

Originally Posted by merylsilverburg

OMG, how friggin' true!! Women do take control of the reins in a relationship (with the exception of those balanced, "We're equal" couples). Men are so casual (at times) and women are more sly and/or cunning. Seriously, I couldn't agree more. I haven't seen a couple in a while where the man is actually the "man" of the relationship.
In the restaurant where I work, there's about 88% of the couples that come in where the women dominate. It's always: "Get this!" "Get that!" "Order this! I want this!" "Don't order that, I don't like that dish!" "Don't get that, it's too fattening and I'm on a diet!" "Get a carry-out box!" "Tell her I want to order that...GO ON! Tell her!"......hey, why don't they goddamn do it for themselves if they're so great?! And then, there are some where the guy *tries* to take charge and the girl is like "Go sit down, I'll order!" and the guys sit down!! And it ends up the chick orders something the guy doesn't like but OH! They eat it anyway in fear of the wrath of their so-called "significant" other. What the f*ck is that about? And these are the so-called "sweet feminine girls"...please...they're such losers they have to get a guy where they can use as a toy since they can't get someone with real opinions and a mind of their own. Sure, it may be "no big deal" to some but I have to see and hear it everyday, so I get very irritated...especially since I can't stand those women to begin with.

Uhh, I don't know how to reply to this other than this had me laughing for a while!

Originally Posted by merylsilverburg

Yes but there are times when it's so the guy can have an ego or confidence boost. It makes them feel "needed" and "smart". And who says that females don't ask guys to help them on purpose so they can also "repay" the sexual favors?

This was in reference to the DIY comment - and I loved your closing comment! However, it should be duly noted that this DIY comment was meant in jest as an attempt to lighten the mood...

- S