It is probably accents etc. I didn’t sound right in my head, but I’m not used to it tbf. I start with Hiya. Sorry no offence intendedTbh I have one friend whom I often start messages to with ‘mate’ it’s just our banter and I’m (sort of ) a grown arse woman. Think it’s a regional thing for me though, I have other friends who get mate, some get pal, others get you knobhead