Why do I care
When you call me “sir”?
I say “call me by my name”
But, again and again
You draw that distinction between you and I.
“Tell me my friend, why?”
I am no Communist red
With idealism pervading my head.
But as one human to another
I tell you my friend, “you are my brother”.
So I guess that is why I care
When you call me “sir”.
K Morris - Poet 
I always thought it was nice when people used “sir” or “ma’am”. I prefer that over “honey” or “dear”. I get “honey” a lot from people young enough to be my child. It feels condescending, and I always want to call them “sweetie” in reply.
Thank you for your comment. Correct forms of address are, ultimately a matter for the person being addressed so, obviously you are perfectly entitled to prefer the use of “madam” over “honey” and I can quite understand why you do so. I have an intense dislike of people using my first name, Kevin, when they dont know me from Adam and are trying to get into my good books in order to sell me something. Likewise I prefer to be addressed as “sir” or “mr” when people who I do not know personally are corresponding with me. However, in this instance the use of “sir” sounded wooden/false and I felt uncomfortable with its utilisation. To explain. I visit a particular supermarket on a regular basis and being blind receive help from different members of store staff, who assist me round the shop. Those staff who know me use my first name and I have no problem with them doing so, in fact I prefer it. Its an interesting discussion and, as I said earlier it ultimately boils down to how the individual being addressed feels. Thanks again for your comment. Kevin