It has become a bit of a stereotype all by itself: The guy with the big personality or the older lady who mothers everyone. Somewhere along the line they are going to call someone "sweetie."
In most cases, these endearments are not ill-intentioned, but they are largely forbidden today in the workplace.
One reason is that the terms confer power on the speaker and they assume an intimacy that often doesn't exist. For example, using an endearment like 'sweetie' can be perfect when an uncle speaks to his young niece, but a step too far when he says it to his boss. To understand how sweet words can go wrong, imagine a woman calling her male boss 'sweetie.' Or a boy or girl calling her teacher 'honey.' While there is an argument that endearments are more acceptable in some locales, workplaces almost universally shun them.
To converse courteously in the workplace, avoid personal questions in favor of experiences and activities that you share with the other person. You can volunteer personal information about yourself, if the conversation calls for it, but don't expect the same personal response from the other person. For example, asking where someone is originally from can be interpreted as a suggestion that they don't really belong where they are. It doesn't matter if the question was intended to evoke that response, it can and does, so avoid it.
To behave courteously, avoid touching people with whom you are not family, close friend, or confidant.
