Getting to know someone new can be incredibly exciting: the first date with a good-looking new guy and the hope that it might become more than just a one-night stand.
Dating is a bit of a convoluted process. Sometimes the way we interpret situations in a new relationship isn’t actually what the guy we’re seeing is thinking.
For example, he might see paying for the first date as a necessary part of the game, whereas most women might see it as a chivalrous act, showing that he’s a respectful and good guy.
This miscommunication doesn’t just happen because of our actions; it can also happen with the things we say.
You know, when you’re trying to play it cool, and you say: “I’m not looking for anything serious” when you really mean “I don’t want to come off as too clingy, but I’d like to stop dating and build a life with someone”.
This constant miscommunication can create a lot of confusion in a new relationship, especially if you haven’t communicated what you’re both looking for.
So, when the guy you’re seeing starts to call you “baby”, especially quite early on in your dating experience, it could mean quite a few things.
You don’t want to look odd and ask why he’s calling you that, but this blog will help you navigate what it might mean.
For some men, using pet names like “baby” is a way to manipulate women and pull on their heart-strings.
Ultimately, they are trying to get something from you.
Hint: it’s usually sex.
Other men might reserve cute titles like “baby” for a girl they are really interested in, hoping that calling her something sweet will make her fall harder for him. Maybe he thinks you’re too sweet and adorable to use your name at this point.
There is bound to be confusion when new pet names like “baby” get thrown into the equation, but this blog will share 6 things it might mean for your relationship:
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1. He calls every girl that and doesn’t want to say the wrong name
If you’ve been on no more than a few dates with a guy and he’s already calling you baby, that might be a bit of a red flag.
You have to wonder, how many girls is he calling baby?
He hardly knows you at this point, and you haven’t made anything official…
Another issue might be balancing so many girls on his dating roster that he’s actually worried he might forget your name.
In fact, your name might only be saved as “Hot Blonde” in his phone, and it’s far too awkward to ask you for your name again at this point.
You’ll know if this applies to your situation.
Has the guy you’ve been seeing actually taken the time to ask you questions and get to know you on a personal level?
If not, then he’s probably using “baby” as a way to seem like he cares about you when, in reality, you are just another notch in his bedpost.
2. He thinks you’re already official
If you’ve been seeing a new guy for a bit and you’ve been hitting it off, maybe your situation is a bit more committed than the above reasons.
Another reason he might have switched to calling you “baby” or other pet names is because he thinks you’re already dating.
You go out on Fridays, you watch movies on Sundays, and you have a few sleepovers here and there.
Heck, this guy thinks you’re already his girlfriend.
Just make sure you’re comfortable with this.
If you haven’t had a real conversation about taking it to the next level, maybe it’s time to open the floor for that discussion.
Having the “what are we?” chat can be awkward, but at least you can have your questions answered and figure out what’s going on between you.
3. He is showing you he cares about you
If you’ve been seeing a guy for a bit and you’ve been really hitting it off, maybe he’s falling for you!
Sometimes, guys call us cute pet names like “baby” when they care about us. This is his way of basically saying: “you’re adorable, and you’re mine”.
For many guys, moving to the level of pet names is a sign that he’s really interested in you and has feelings for you.
This is a sign that he’s taking it from a friendly, casual place and moving into a more emotional and connected place with you.
If he’s been treating you kindly, taking you out, and there is a genuine connection between both of you, he is probably calling you a pet name to show you just how much he cares.
4. He wants to take the next step
By calling you “baby” this guy might want to begin clearing a path towards taking the next step with you.
Men can be shy and awkward at times.
Some men might think that by calling you cute pet names and making you feel special, their actions will show you that they’re ready for a more serious commitment.
Some guys aren’t as open with calling girls pet names, especially if they aren’t the player type.
So, if a guy has been courting you for a while, a pet name might help show you that you’re important to him; he is telling you he’s ready to make things a bit more serious.
Many guys leave nicknames like “baby” only for their girlfriends, so this might be just that!
Only you’ll know if the guy your seeing is giving off these signals.
And hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask if it feels like it’s naturally heading that way.
But, there is nothing more special than when a guy asks you out in a romantic way.
So, stand your ground! You’re not official until he asks, even if he calls you “baby”.
5. He wants to get you into bed
Beware of these guys!
Some guys will try their best to come off as Mr. Right (similar to what was said above) only to show his true colors once he gets you into bed.
Players will butter you up and make you feel special and loved to get what they want from you.
So, don’t give it up too quickly!
Make sure he deserves it and has shown that he’s a respectful and worthy man.
Just because he calls you “baby”, takes you out, and spoils you does not mean he’s serious about you.
If you only see him on Fridays, you might want to think about who he’s seeing the other days of the week.
Be very wary of men who bring up sex consistently on every date or time you spend together.
Even if he’s using sweet pet names, it might just be a tactic to make you warm up to him enough to give him the treat he’s looking for.
6. He is serious about you
If a guy starts calling you “baby” and has also been taking natural steps to move your relationship forward, you can assume he’s serious about you.
If you’re getting texts or calls that say: “baby, I want you to meet my friends and family”, then he’s not just trying to butter you up.
A man might start calling you baby because that’s what you are to him, you’re his baby, and he’ll do anything for you.
So, think about it. If a man starts calling you a sweet nickname and he’s making the right moves to show you he’s serious about you, then you can begin to believe it.
Lucky you, maybe he’ll just end up being Mr. Right.
Of course, every man and relationship is different.
Hopefully, you can apply these 6 things to your own situation and begin to look deeper.
Has the guy you’ve been seeing started calling you baby while also not replying to your texts all day? He might just be using it as a tool to get you into bed.
Or, has he started calling you baby as your relationship has progressed. Are you being invited to meet his friends and family? This seems like a green light to me!
You’ll have to interpret the use of “baby” within your relationship with this guy.
Think about the way he treats you and his other actions.
All of this will help you determine if he’s shady and manipulative, or you potential Mr. Right.
