[Laurie-L]

What makes some men feel the need to tell their significant other that they think so-and-so is a babe? Women have a hard enough time with self-esteem issues. Is this type of comment ever meant as a veiled insult, or is it usually just an innocent comment? Also, is there a good way to deal with this?
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Name : Laurie-L, Gender : F, City : Sunnyvale, State : CA, Country : United States, 

[NA20237]

One of my guy friends calls me babe or hon often, even though we’re just friends. When he called me babe for the first time, it bothered me a little. It seemed like he was ‘subtly hinting’ that he wanted us to be more than friends by calling me those affectionate nicknames. After that one time, sometimes I’d want to ask him if he calls ALL his ‘they’re girls, and friends, but not girlfriends’ babe or hon and sometimes I would let it go and think it was flattering because, well, constantly hearing about how ‘hot’ your little sister is can take it’s toll on ya! Anyways, after establishing that we’re just going to be friends for now, it doesn’t seem to bother me. I know it’s dumb to say that it’s alright with me, but right now it seems like affectionate nicknames are thrown all over the place (babe, hon, sweetie, cutie, etc.) and it can not only be used on significant others, but just friends as well. I know that this probably has nothing to do with your question, but I hope it helps!

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Name : NA20237, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Age : 20, City : N/A, State : NA, Country : United States, Education level : 2 Years of College, 

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