What does it mean when a man calls you his dear? Is he a man of respect? Are you being teased?
Is he thinking you are too sweet and incentive for “Sexy”, or “Babe?” Perhaps he is afraid to call you anything more provocative.
Continue reading to discover 15 top meanings for when a man calls you dear.
If a man calls someone dear, it is usually because he has a reason. It all depends on you and your relationship with him.
Here are some reasons that men consider women precious.
1. He likes you
A guy calling you “dear” is a way to indicate that he loves you. Although “dear” sounds a little old-fashioned, don’t let this fool you.
You can be sure that he is calling you dear if he calls you a friend. It would help if you looked out for body language such as a lack of eye contact and shifting weight from one side to the other, fidgeting, or red-coloured skin.
You may be called dear more often the more romantic your feelings are. His words might eventually become “babe” and “sexy.”
2. He respects you
While it is true that most guys call you “dear” because they secretly like you, it is also a term used with respect.
A guy who respects you is likely to refer to you as dear, regardless of whether he regards you as a friend or more than a friendship.
You might also hear him use the term dear to refer to other women.
3. He calls all female friends dear
Some men call their female friends “dear” and others are more affectionate. These guys see “dear” to be a more respectable and universal nickname than “sweetie”, sweetheart, or “honey”.
These men are most likely to be the sons of a woman who taught them respect for elders and women.
4. He knows you’re just friends
If a guy is comfortable with the fact that you are just friends, he will likely start to refer to you as “dear”, “sister”, or other more personal nicknames.
If you don’t like the nickname “dear”, let him know!
5. He Has Misread Your Body Language
When it comes to correct interpretation of your body language, guys are not always as accurate and precise as CIA field agents.
Sometimes they see what they want, and not what you show them.
6. He likes other girls
If a guy is interested in other girls, he will likely call you something simple and respectful, such as dear or your first name.
He also calls girls “sexy”, sweetie, or “babe” at the same time.
7. It’s a polite compliment
Most of the time, a man will address a woman as his dear. It’s a polite compliment.
You are more likely to be polite if you have never spoken with him before.
8. He Flirts with Text Messages
You could become a text flirt if the guy calls you dearest from the first text message you exchanged.
This is because the person likely talks to all girls the same as he talks about you.
9. He is generally caring and old-fashioned
Some men are just old-fashioned, and they care about everyone. These men call you their dear, both alone and in front of others.
He is just living his life, being himself and acknowledging your respect/care.
10. He wants to see how you react to the word Dear
Sometimes, a man might use the term dear to test the waters. He may also call you by your name or any nickname.
Reacting positively in a positive way will likely lead to him testing more pet names such as “babe” and “cutie.” However, a negative reaction could discourage him from using the name again.
11. He doesn’t like “Honey” and “Sweetie”.
If a guy isn’t interested in the mainstream names of women’s pets, like “sweetie” or “honey”, he might use the word “dear”.
“Dear” is respectful and doesn’t have the sexual undertones of other nicknames. In his opinion, it is the best option other than your real name.
12. He wants to make you feel safe
If you’re close to a man and he calls you dearly, it might not be just respected. He could be trying to make sure you feel safe.
It seems that whatever the reason, letting a girl know you “like” or respect her should make her feel more secure.
13. He is working his way up to asking you out on a date
You might also be able to tell that your man is trying to build up his energy and make you feel special by asking you out on a date.
These guys are often shy and young and lack confidence from years of dating women.
Give them a chance if they are appealing to you because the best is yet to come!
14. He rarely compliments women
Men who have never had to interact with women are not uncommon.
In his eyes, calling you close might be as simple as asking you out on an evening or telling you how beautiful you are.
15. He is just teasing you
You might also be teasing your guy by calling you dear. He’ll likely be smiling and laughing about this.
If he is aware that you don’t like pet names or that people call you by your first name, his attempt to call you dear could be a way for him to teasingly rebel against the “norm”.
How to Respond to a Guy Calling You Dear
There are many ways that a man can call you dear. You can either take it or he can say it.
Knowing how the guy will perceive your response before you reply is also a good idea. Take a moment to reflect on it.
Consider the following reactions to how you feel about your friend calling you close.
Smile, thank Him, or let him know how you feel
Men are most likely to receive a smile or thank-you from women they love. This is because women generally view it as polite or respectful comments.
If you are in this group of women, smile and thank him (if necessary), and take the time to tell him how you feel about him.
Smile and thank Him, but keep your feelings to yourself
If you don’t like him calling you dear, but don’t want him to make a fuss about it, smile and continue talking to him. But keep your feelings to yourself.
Show him the Body Langauge you Want Him to See
It doesn’t matter if you love it or not, your body language immediately after he says the word is important.
Positive affirmations include smiling, nodding or touching him. Negative signs include frowning, crossing your arms and looking away.
Tell him that you are not his girlfriend (and not to call you dear)
If you feel that you have been taken or offended by his forwardness, let him know quickly that you don’t like it.
Remind him that it is not your girlfriend.
Is Dear the same as Love?
By any definition, the word “dear” does not refer to love. However, dear can sometimes be used to mean love or respect depending on the person calling you dear.
What does it mean to call someone dear?
It is a sign that someone regards you as “dear”, and it is often a sign of respect. It can also be used to show respect, such as when you’re at work or school.
What does Dear mean in texting?
Dear does not have a precise definition of what Dear means when she uses it in texting. It could be used to show respect or as a way to open up the possibility of further flirting.