I find all of these little names irritating. Not necessarily offensive, but needless. It is a cross gender issue though, I get "love" or "darling" plenty from women
. Also from men; "Pal", "Bud", "Buddy", the occasional "Champ", "Big Man" (always from short angry little fellows), "mate"... even one who routinely calls me "Boy" like something out of Oliver Twist.