"One of the boys" that has a vagina...

Being a female in law enforcement, a male dominated field, I find myself facing challenges. I don't think they are the challenges one would expect. I haven't been passed by for awards, promotions, or assignments because I am a female. I make the same, and a little more than some of my coworkers. I am given the same opportunities as the guys, and I am greatly appreciative of this.
This issues I face are more cultural and societal than they are professional.
A lot of cops are very work oriented people - we spend long hours at work, molding our career, and building our future. We get married to the job... We see our coworkers more than our families.

So, being that the ratio of female to male employees in my organization is likely 1:20, I find myself surrounded by men daily. Of the women that work with me, once you rule out those who are not into men, those who are married, or those with 5 children, I am one of a few young, single women here. I get a lot of attention. I am not saying it isn't nice to be flirted with, but these men get ridiculous. Several of them are married and in relationships. They think because they have a badge and a gun that they are stud muffins. I don't get it. I don't act different in my personal life because of my career. I don't walk into the club and walk up to a couple and tell the guy is dancing with me whether she likes it or not, but that is the mentality some of these guys have.

I don't understand it. It usually doesn't bother me. I brush it off, haha, whatever guys... but when I am trying to do my job and be taken seriously, but I keep getting called "honey," "sweetie," "darlin'," & "sugar," - it enrages me. It is one thing for someone's grandma to call me those things, but when my peers, who should respect my position and authority are calling me those names, it feels degrading.

I am not one to label myself with "feminist" because I don't think any human right, or dignified request should be labeled as a term like that. I don't know if that makes sense... Kind of like I am not a "gay rights" activist, or a pro-choice proponent... I believe we all deserve respect and the right to live our lives on our terms, pending you don't infringe on the life of another living being...

I digressed again - but basically - I want to punch them in the face when they use these pet names for me.
What set me off on this rant is this:

Coworker sends out mass text: I need someone to cover X shift at X location.
I reply: What date is the shift.
Coworker: Later today. Who is this?
Me: *my name* I will take the shift.
Coworker: Thank you so much sweetie
Me: You're welcome (even though you called me fucking sweetie!)
Coworker: Anything I can do for you let me know ....

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Seriously... this guy has a girlfriend and 4 kids.
Some might say, oh he is just being nice or maybe he doesn't understand emoticons.
He was being overly nice and he knows what he was saying with that.

I won't ever be the girl that can't cut it with the boys, so I never report this stuff, but at the very least, when this stuff continues - which it always does - it is harassment.

If I say "hey man, don't wink at me like that" or "stop being flirty" - it gets ugly or confrontational.

I don't know that I want advice on this, but I really wanted to rant about it.

Thank you for listening.