[Rustic bauble]

Originally Posted by Alf

But nobody can stop it, nobody can stop me saying "love" or "darling" so what they're moaning about is pointless.

I've just been called "love" by the woman serving me in the bakers. I returned the compliment. The World kept turning.

Its a term of endearment in most cases...to some people its part of their everyday conversation....just like the word 'Hen' up North. Personally I never use it in that terminology but many do.
It can be used in a demeaning way....by people who think they are clever and always think they are right...and thats the tell-tale sign