(Although this started out as an explanation to one particular person, it turned into a plea into my friends; we are all human here. See the question at the very end.)

Through most of my dating and relationship life, I've had my fair share of pet names. They have spanned from the conventional to the downright bizarre. (And no, I'm not sharing those here.)

I don't know why, fully, I am not a huge fan of the term "babe". (Sweetie I'm totally okay with though? Why is that?) So, I'm going to try to talk it out ...

Maybe it's because I always connote "babe" with that guy who makes the clicking mouth sound, while winking and snapping fingers into the gun symbol (both hands) at you, while also winking. Hairy chest, gold chain, misogyny, bad cologne, and all. Think of a gross stereotypical used-car salesman, or Larry the upstairs neighbor from "Three's Company" - that's the feeling I get.

I'm okay with being called "baby" if I'm in a bad mental state, and just in need nurturing. ("Oh, baby. I'm so, so sorry.") Okay for comfort, but not so much for endearment.

There's also that visceral knee-jerk reaction to being in anyway compared to a baby. Like we don't know what we need, or can't verbalize it, and so we are called baby, or babe. As said, when nurturing is needed, it's okay? But on a day-to-day level, there's just something about the term "babe" that makes my teeth itch. And sometimes, it really IS the tone of voice used when it's being said that goes a long way ... like, whether it is said with love behind it, or derision. (Erhm, derision isn't quite the right word, but that word that means "with less than pure intent, even if only subconsciously."? Help me out here - give me that right word!)

It feels like, I am here to look out for you (like a baby), because I am the man and you are just a weak female.

It borders on that line of feeling - "babe" is felt as insincere even when the person means it as sweet.

_________________________________________________

(That, and there was a movie, about a pig, by the same name. Babe indeed. Oink-friggin'-oink. Snort snort.)

_________________________________________________

What terms of endearment do you love, or loathe? And, if you can explain, why? (If not, that's okay - you can just leave the term you love or loathe.)