Different Reasons For Calling Your Partner Pet Names

What pet names do you call your significant other? Could it be baby, bae, love, babe, honey, sweetie or another version of a similar endearment? When we are in a loving relationship, it feels natural for us to automatically assign terms of endearment to the one we love. Why do you think this is happening?

Why Do We Use Pet Names?

It’s an interesting phenomenon with a valid scientific explanation. Believe it or not, our parents may be the root of this lovable habit. According to Florida State University neuroanthropologist, Professor Dean Falk, pet names exist for language acquisition in infants. She continues by saying that it expresses love and is a way for the child and mother to bond.

So what does that have to do with our pet names for our lovers now that we’re all grown up? She says that it’s a way for us to bond with our significant other. Because we have a positive emotion (love) associated with pet names, we do the habit to express how we feel to our current partners. We got it from our parents.

What Other Scientists Believe

Despite this explanation, other scientists believe that pet names are a way for us to feel open and comfortable towards our partner. Our terms of endearment can also make our partner feel very at ease with us.

Another valid explanation is that using nicknames in a relationship taps into our innate desire to be playful.

Conclusion

For men, it may be a little embarrassing for your girlfriend to call you a pet name around other people. However, you have to realize that it is neither embarrassing or corny. Using pet names is actually a good way to bond with your partner. It may just be drawing you closer together.

Do share this post with a friend or family member who gets embarrassed when he or she is called a pet name. While you’re at it, share this post on social media as well. For more tips about relationships and dating, check out more posts on our blog.