HERE we go again! A shopper called something inoffensive like “love” or “sweetheart” gets offended and swears never to shop there again.

This time it was a Tesco shopper upset after being called “darling” and was quoted by the BBC for an article about people stopping using specific companies because of perceived poor customer service. While many of us actually like being called these familiar names in our largely impersonal supermarkets and stores, others become ridiculously sensitive and object.

Apart from getting out more, they should really also consider the duty of being a responsible shopper because the transaction cuts both ways. Poor shop assistants have to put up with people being rude, demanding and difficult every day. They don’t even come off their mobiles to speak to them and treat store staff like inferior beings. Breaking news: it’s about time shoppers behaved properly. This is part of the bargain.