Don’t just take whatever your other half calls you behind closed doors at face value. Your pet name could reveal a lot about how they view you.
In a close and loving relationship, it’s common to adopt all kinds of
shows of affection that tell each other exactly how you feel towards
your significant other. This could materialize in acts of kindness or
generosity, positive and outgoing body language, or by the use of pet
names.
Pet names are terms *usually, but not always* restricted to a single
word that would be considered over-familiar and/or a bit soppy in a
wider context. They tend to reflect affection and love, and because of
their rather personal nature, tend to be used behind closed doors.
Some pet names can be quite traditional in manner or quite creative,
but whichever is chosen, there is lot more behind them than a simple
throwaway sentiment.
The meaning behind pet names
Want to know what your pet name says about your relationship and how your partner views you? Then read on.
#1 “Boo“ or “shorty/shawty.” This
one has popped up quite a lot in recent years and seems to be a
favorite of the rap and hip-hop musical community. However, the same
community is also known for referring to women as b***es and h**s. If
this is the kind of impression you’re happy having your other half
associate you with, then no issue is to be had.
If, however, you’ve mistakenly thought that this term is a modern,
hip, and happening variety of the usual kind of pet name, then I really
have to put you in the picture. It indicates a lack of respect for you
and your intelligence, shows that they see your relationship as very
much a temporary tryst, and they would probably jump into bed with your
best friend without a moment’s hesitation.
#2 “Prince/princess.“ For all
intents and purposes, this pet name indicates fairly healthy
relationship markers. It shows that they hold you in great esteem, have a
huge amount of respect for you, and see you as a very precious part of
their lives.
However, although the top notes are all there, the bottom notes are
somewhat lacking. Sure, they want to cater to your every need and spoil
you at every opportunity, but there’s not much in the way of passion in
how they view you. If you’re happy being their fluffy bunny, then that’s
just great. If, however, you’re expecting sparks, fireworks, and the
earth to move, then you’d better think again
#3 “Babe.” This kind of occupies a
halfway territory between the first two. It isn’t quite as dismissive a
term as “boo,” but it does still betray a certain lack of serious
intent and a somewhat casual level of appreciation. It does show that
they are attracted to you, but shows that your physical merits are
probably more important than anything else you have to offer.
If the term babe is used and you’re not a Brad or Angelina
looks-wise, then I’m afraid you’re being referred to with a safe term –
one that shows you are more than a friend but that intentionally
disguises the degree of commitment.
#4 “My love.” Shakespearean is the term that best
describes the impression this particular pet name gives. It is both
eloquently yet casually romantic – easily dropped into the conversation
and always delivers with impact. It shows that your partner has deeply
romantic and soulful feelings towards you – a true romantic who believes
you are meant to be together for life. In essence, you’ve scored
yourself a keeper.
#5 “Honey/darling/dear.” These very traditional
terms of endearment are the kind that you’re probably used to hearing
your parents and/or grandparents use. They’re exceptional in that
they’re so traditional, they can pass into public use without issue, and
if only used in public, then there’s nothing to worry about – your
other half is probably just grasping at an opportunity to show their
love for you in front of others.
However, if used in private also, then there’s a whole different
thing going on. In this case, your significant other is showing that
they love you very much indeed, but that the honeymoon period is over.
Loving someone and being in love with them are two very different
things, and if these pet names are consistently used in private, then
the latter is unfortunately lacking.
#6 “Sexy.” This one kind of speaks for itself. If
used alongside other compliments and terms of endearment, then it
fulfills a role in showing that the physical attraction is as much there
as the emotional and spiritual. However, if this is the only pet name
used, whether in private or public, then you need to question exactly
why they’re with you.
Let’s face it, every relationship needs some level of physical
attraction, but if that’s all there is, then the future doesn’t look
particularly bright.
#7 Cutesie pet names. Lots of younger couples,
especially younger ladies, love to use cutesie pet names for their other
halves. You know the kind of thing: sugar-bunny, shnookums, pumpkin,
love puppy, etc. First of all, let me congratulate you on consistently
managing to keep your lunch down when you are accosted with such
sickly-sweet offerings. Secondly, let me just say that cutesie nicknames
aren’t always as positive as they may seem.
Sugar-bunny might seem cute and loving, but in a way, it’s just as
dehumanizing as “boo.” It shows they don’t really take you very
seriously, and that you’re more tied up with some kind of weird fantasy
about what romance is supposed to be, rather than tied into their heart
strings.
#8 Nostalgic pet names. This refers to a pet name
that hearkens back to an earlier experience or conversation that you had
together, and shows that your partner has thought very carefully about
your pet name and about you yourself. A strong sign that love is still
blossoming.
#9 Varied pet names. A variety of different kinds of
pet names, from the traditional to the creative to the cute, shows
either one of two things. Most commonly, it can display your partner’s
awareness of what a pet name could mean to you and how it’s important to
keep you interested and feeling special by alternating them. This is a
surefire sign of a keeper – someone who understands the importance of
keeping the spark alive.
Less commonly, however, it can be the hallmark of a player, someone
who has a strategy in place and that the terms of endearment they choose
are part of a game to get you in exactly the position that they want.
Definitely one to avoid.
#10 None. Hmmmm, this is a sticky issue. If they
haven’t got a pet name for you, then you are probably wondering why.
Well, at the beginning of a relationship, they may feel that it isn’t
appropriate to use one yet, or they don’t know you well enough to choose
the right kind of pet name – which actually shows a degree of common
sense.
If you’re way down the line in the relationship and they still
haven’t got a pet name for you, then it may be a sign that their
feelings for you aren’t all that deep. Worst of all, however, is if they
have had a pet name for you before, but it has fallen out of use. In
this example, it is almost certainly the case that love’s flame has been
lost, and discussions need to be had about the status of your
relationship.
It should now be apparent that your partner’s choice of pet
name for you is a whole lot more than just a term of endearment. And if
you’re not happy, having found out from the list above what they are
really saying about you, then it’s high time to talk it over!
