I have this problem with some people. It's easy to tell when people are chatting to learn a language or for... other reasons. I kind of agree with the "dear/honey" thing. It depends on the tone and how long I've been talking to the person. Sometimes it's really condescending (especially the word "darling"... I don't like that word -_-). Usually I just ignore it, sometimes I remind them that my name is Sarah, haha. The thing that bothers me the most is people asking for pictures or asking me to use my webcam. That's just awkward. I have a picture on here and a picture on MSN, you know what I look like. If I feel like I have a funny/cool picture you should see, I'll send it. But don't just ask for a picture, that's weird. I've blocked some people because they've been pushy. Anyway, I think the best way to deal with problems is to either talk about them, or if they make you really uncomfortable, block the person. If they can't respect you then there's no reason to deal with them in my opinion.

Sometimes people are using such expressions as, "dear, honey etc" in a completely platonic manner. No one is trying to be rude or invasive. That is just how they have been raised to talk, regardless of whom it is they are talking to. Just be sure you are noting the tone of voice and the context in which they are using the term. Obviously cultures can clash, but thats part of being a global citizen, just be flexible and if something is definitely in the wrong tone and is making you uncomfortable then definitely speak up about it. In regards to people wanting to use webcams; of course there are those out there who want to misuse the privilege but there are also people who can learn from watching a native person speak. The way their mouth moves, the expression on their face when they use a certain phrase or expression etc. I probably would have never been able to make the Chinese "ü" as in “去” if I had not watched a native speaker produce the sound. Everything must be taken with a grain of salt. When you are experiencing and dealing with foreign cultures one can not be too sensitive but in turn must be sensitive to others and always open minded.

Well said Sarah, I totally agree. :) I think one problem is that we are taught both informal and formal styles in a new language, but "encouraged" to use the informal style. So someone might use overly-friendly expressions like "my dear, love, honey..." with people they hardly know. Very invasive! There are definitely degrees of familiarity, and it is rude when people ignore those differences. If in doubt, use basic English (or whichever language one is using) until the degrees are known. If you think it's not intentional, just saying "sorry, but I don't feel comfortable when you say that" is clear enough. And if they don't listen to you or respect that, then you block them. :)

I'm agree with Sarah :) .

I guess when too much self confident or even hypocrisy may produce such behaviors, or maybe just the wish to act nice. but its true that whatever the intention was, its rude! and many people will get uncomfortable and we must be careful to not give a bad impression. well, usually I don't make a big deal of this but when I'm upset it will shows on my face immediately. but once again, it shouldn't affect our judgement on how to react cause some people just don't know how to act or say. I'm not saying to let go unnoticed, but a friendly words will make every thing clear and won't hurt any body's feelings except for those how intentionally cross the lines of polite conversation. (forgive my poor English, I'm still practicing).