I think it depends on who says it and in what way. I'd usually agree with you but there was one guy who used to call me that, though more "my darling" and just the way he said it used to make me melt.
lol i made this same remark earlier today
i overheard one of the taxi drivers in the
supermarket car park saying it to a customer
have to agree with rugleyboy it depends on
how its said
I dunno it depends... from a loved one its cringy but when a barman, taxi driver etc etc uses it, it doesnt bother me. We tend to say my lover round here anyways.
As it's been said before, it depends who uses it. I'd definitely cringe if a boyfriend of mine said it, but I love it in the friendly way my cockney uncle says it.