Honey is a term of endearment that dates back to the 14th century.aCentury.
Although affectionate names like "sugar" and "baby" are younger, they didn't appear until the late 19th century.aCentury Lovers has been compared to sticky sweetener.
And yet, even though that pet name has been around for so long, we're still left sitting there wondering how best to respond when someone calls us "darling."
Well, if the last five and a half centuries of use of that term have taught us anything, it's that "darling" is used as a term of either extreme affection or extreme hostility.
Someone calling you darling means they really like you or they really don't like you. It is usually easy to see which is the case from the context in which it is said.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to respond to this trusted term of endearment, with responses tailored to what it means and who's saying it.
25 Ways to Respond When Someone Calls You "Darling"
- Oh stop, you are the girl
- I can be your lover but I'm not as sweet as you☺
- Hi baby.
- Oh, I like the way it sounds when you say that.
- You can call me that anytime.
- Oh, I'll be your lover everyday.
- thank you sugar
- I like it when you get affectionate.
- I've heard that honey goes well with cheese, so I think we're perfect for each other.
- I bet you say that to every girl.
- I'm not your love. Try again.
- Sorry, I prefer you use my name when you talk to me.
- That seems a little inappropriate for the workplace. Please call me by my name.
- I'm not really interested in using nicknames between us. Could you call me by my name?
- Actually, this is [insert title and last name] for you.
- How can you call me that?
- I do not know you; please don't call me honey
- It works?
- ok sports To calm down.
- Do not be mad at me.
- Are you really doing this right now?
- look girl here's the thing.
- I prefer [insert name], thank you.
- [Just look!]
- It's okay, whatever, honey.
How to React When a Lover Calls You Darling
While there are countless situations where people call each other darling, the most common (and funniest) situation is when someone you care about uses it to refer to you affectionately.
So when someone you've talked to and you like calls you sweetheart, it's understandable that you'll feel butterflies in your stomach and have to think twice before responding.
Here are some suggestions on how to do it.
1. Oh, stop, you're cute.
The use of honey as a term of endearment apparently has its roots in the fact that honey is sweet, viscous and delicious.
When we want someone to know we care, we naturally use words that evoke a pleasant experience.
If your crush calls you "sweetie" and you want to respond with something witty that still shows affection, why not tell her that she's really cute?
Example:
ONE:You are a treasure.
B:Oh stop, you are the girl
2. I can be your love, but I'm not as cute as you☺
This reaction of someone you care about calling you sweetheart has a similar focus to the previous one. The issue is, essentially, that you call your crush cute because she calls you "honey."
This is a great way to respond to someone calling you "darling" as a pet.
Example:
ONE:Hey darling!
B:I can be your love, but I'm not as cute as you ☺
3. Hello dear.
One of the most common ways people use "darling" as a term of endearment is as part of a greeting. The same is often truewhen a guy calls you "baby"
So, if your crush greets you by calling you "sweetheart", you can greet them back and use a different pet name. "Babe" is as good as any, but you can also use "sweetheart" or "darling".
Example:
ONE:Hey darling!
B:Hi baby.
4. Oh, I like how it sounds when you say that.
When your crush calls you "honey" for the first time and you want to encourage him to keep calling you that, let him know you like the sound.
When someone addresses you for the first time with a pet name or nickname, they are usually a little nervous to see how you react. If you can show them that you appreciate their openness and willingness to show affection, I'm sure they'll use that term more often in the future.
Example:
ONE:Hey darling.
B:Oh, I like the way it sounds when you say that.
5. Feel free to call me that whenever you want.
Another way to indicate that you like a nickname, pet name, pet name, or pet name someone calls you is to say that they can use that term whenever they want.
This is a fun and flirty way to show that no matter how much interest they show in using the term, you'll be happy to reciprocate.
The psychology of the five love languagesshows that some people need more words of affirmation than others. If you are one of these people, encourage your crush to say nice and loving things to you so that you can meet their emotional needs.
Example:
ONE:So honey, can you tell me how your day was?
B:Yes I will. By the way, you can call me that whenever you want.
6. Ah, I will be your lover every day.
That's a good response when someone you care about comes up and asks if it's okay for them to call you "honey".
Regardless of the compliment your crush gives you, keep it funny"What's cooking pretty?"or something more serious likea guy who says he likes you, if you want them to keep saying it, you should respond with something encouraging.
Telling a guy to keep calling you darling, or any other term of endearment, is the only way to make him feel safe about it.
Example:
ONE:Would you mind if I started calling you "honey"?
B:Oh, I'll be your lover everyday.
7. Thank you, sugar.
When someone likes you, they usually start calling you darling, a bit of a joke. You can continue the banter (and sweet insults) by addressing her with another similar term of endearment.
So if someone weirdly calls you honey, why not call them sugar with the same ring?
Eventually, the fun, teasing tone can wear off and you'll have a great relationship and the ability to get comfortable naming your partner with cute and affectionate nicknames wrapped in a personal story.
Example:
ONE:You look great dear.
B:It's ok, thank you dear.
8. I like it when you are affectionate.
While it's good to start a fun relationship, it's also good to genuinely express yourself with the person you love.
So if someone calls you darling to show they like you, you can tell them that you like that loving side of them.
As always, encouraging their behavior will likely cause them to use nicknames more often in the future.
Alternatively, you can simply respond with "Aww" to show you're excited. However, people will fightreply an "aww".more than they become a direct and clear expression of affection.
Example:
ONE:Hello darling, I've been thinking about you all day.
B:I like it when you get affectionate.
9. I heard that honey goes well with cheese, so I think we are perfect for each other.
Right. Let's get this out of the way: calling someone "honey" is a little cheesy. In fact, most ways of expressing affection for someone are a little cheesy.
But that doesn't mean we should stay away from them, nor does it mean you should stay away from people who use these cheesy things on you.
After all, there are far worse situations than sitting around thinkinghow to react to a pickup linefrom someone you like.
However, if you're someone who likes to call a spade a spade, you might respond to being called darling by teasing your crush by your cheesy speech.
Example:
ONE:You look good tonight, honey.
B:I've heard that honey goes well with cheese, so I think we're perfect for each other.
10. I bet you call all girls that.
If you and your crush are just getting to know each other and aren't quite ready to use one of the more daring responses listed above, you can respond to being called "honey" with a joke.
This will deflect the compliment while you keep the conversation going. It also adds a lighthearted tone to the nature of your chats.
As soon as you crack a joke, your crush will know you're the laughing type.
Saying "I bet you call all your girls that" shows that you're funny and tests your crush's interest in you. If they are genuinely interested in something serious they will make you realize they don't say that to every girl.
While this might sound like a gendered response, it would be really funny if used by a man, whether you're talking to a man or a woman!
Example:
ONE:Hey honey!
B:I bet you call all girls that.
How to react when someone you don't like calls you "honey".
While there's almost nothing better than being called sweet endearment by someone you like, almost nothing is worse than being called that by someone you don't like.
When someone you know casually and platonically feels very comfortable using affectionate words to refer to you, respond as you would.Reply to "I love you" when you don't feel the same.
11. I'm not your love. Try again.
If someone is clearly inappropriate, there's nothing wrong with being a little reckless. For example, if someone calls you "honey" when you've shown absolutely no romantic interest in them, they're being bossy and it's perfectly fine to put them firmly in their shoes.
While you should never be rude, there's definitely room to make it clear that you're not comfortable being called "honey."
Example:
ONE:Hey honey, can you pass me my drink?
B:I'm not your love. Try again.
12. I'm sorry, I'd rather you use my name when you talk to me.
Many of us prefer our name to any nickname. This is usually the case when the person giving us the nickname is someone we are not comfortable with and when the nickname has intimate implications.
Keep it as simple as possible to get the result you want. If you want someone to call you by name, ask them to call you by name (and no, not like that)!
Example:
ONE:Oh dear, you missed out on a great work drink last weekend!
B:Sorry, I prefer you use my name when you talk to me.
13. This seems a little inappropriate for the workplace. Please call me by my name.
The weirdest context of all to be called a "boyfriend" is in your workplace by someone you don't like.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this embarrassing situation.
In 2022, it is well known that calling someone "darling" at work is no longer appropriate.
So if someone calls you darling, just stand up to them bluntly by telling them the term they're using isn't appropriate for your relationship or the environment you're in.
When a colleague makes inappropriate comments at work, you can also report it to Human Resources.
Example:
ONE:Honey, could you fax this to me?
B:That seems a little inappropriate for the workplace. Please call me by my name.
14. I'm not really interested in using pet names for each other. Could you call me by my name?
Whatever situation you find yourself in when someone calls you "honey" and it gives you the creeps, call it a day.
First, express that you don't agree with the term they are using to refer to you. Then ask them to call you by name.
Example:
ONE:Hey honey!
B:I'm not really interested in using nicknames between us. Could you call me by my name?
How to Respond When a Stranger Calls You "Darling" Inappropriately
Many cultures have a tradition of referring affectionately to people they don't know. In many parts of England, it is customary to call relative strangers "love" or "pet", not as an expression of loving love, but as an expression of affection for one's neighbor.
However, when it comes to nicknames like "Schatz", the line can get blurry.
It may be one thing for an older store clerk to say "thanks, dear" when you wish her a good day, but quite another for an older store clerk to wink at a young customer and say "hello, dear." 🇧🇷
If you're not sure if you're comfortable with something, consider the context. If you want to call the stranger you're talking to, feel free to do so.
People often use terms like "darling" as part of cat calls which are never good. Here are some ways to deal with a stranger calling you "honey" if you don't like it.
15. This is actually [insert title and last name] for you.
This is an assertive response to being called "honey" by someone you don't know.
Don't hesitate to tell others how to treat you. The clearer you are, the less time you have to feel down.
Example:
ONE:Well honey, what are you doing tonight?
B:This is really Dr. Roberto is for you.
16. Why do you think you can call me that?
A bold way to criticize a stranger for addressing you in a way you don't like is to ask why he feels able to give you such an intimate nickname, he admits.
Example:
ONE:Hello dear, how was your day?
B:How can you call me that?
17. I don't know you; please don't call me honey
While you might be nervous to respond to a crush who calls you "darling" because you care what they think of you, you don't have to be ashamed of how your words might sound to a stranger who is inappropriate around you. Term appeals to tenderness.
Just say "I don't know you" to make it clear that you're not comfortable with the level of intimacy he's trying to claim. Then politely ask him not to call you "honey".
Example:
ONE:Hey honey, you look good!
B:I do not know you; please don't call me honey
18. Does it work?
A good way to snub people for their silliness is to ask if calling random people "honey" works for them.
I think most people don't like slightly creepy strangers walking up to them and flirting with them.
They'll get the gist and, let's face it, they'll probably be a little embarrassed.
Example:
ONE:Listen! Do you want to be my love?
B:It works?
How to react when someone calls you "honey" passively and aggressively.
Sadly, this pure expression of affection has been hijacked by the drama.
You would hardly hear a hateful comment on reality TV without being followed by "Honey" or worse, "Honey".
While honey is still used sincerely by some, it gets a lot of air time when used as an insult.
This is how you react when someone calls you "honey" in a passive-aggressive way.
19. Okay, sports. To calm down.
If someone calls you "sweetheart" and it doesn't mean sweet and sweet but rather condescending towards you, you can respond with an equally condescending nickname.
Calling someone a "sport" certainly conveys that you don't see them as someone worth having a serious conversation with.
Example:
ONE:Oh please honey, you're not even worth my time.
B:ok sports To calm down.
20. Don't be mad at me.
While it may be tempting to respond to the passive-aggressive attribution with a more passive-aggressive attribution, try to resist if you can.
Instead, call the person you're talking to about your caustic behavior.
Simply saying, "Don't be mad at me" sends the message that you don't have the patience for immaturity.
Example:
ONE:Nice top, dear.
B:Do not be mad at me.
21. Are you really doing this right now?
Another way to alert someone to their immature behavior is to ask them if they are really doing what you think they are doing.
The purpose of this question is to get them thinking about their disrespectful behavior and hopefully make them a little embarrassed that they can't face the situation head on and talk to you like an adult.
Example:
ONE:you are so wrong darling
B:Are you really doing this right now?
23. Look girl. Here's the thing.
If someone talks to you passive-aggressively, there's nothing wrong with asserting yourself and enforcing the law.
Say exactly what you feel and don't hold back. Saying "Here's the thing" is a great way to start a total crush.
Example:
ONE:Oh dear, you are so stupid right now.
B:look girl here's the thing.
24. I prefer [insert name], thank you.
If someone insists on calling you darling and you feel like you're not coming from a place of care, just let them know you'd appreciate it if they called you by name.
Example:
ONE:Oh, you're so wrong, honey.
B:I prefer Jane thanks
25. [Check it out!]
When someone really hits below the belt, the best response is usually no response. All you have to do is look at her with a disappointed expression and then let her go.
They'll hear your disapproving message loud and clear and hopefully be ashamed of their immature behavior.
Example:
ONE:Ugh, that's so easy, honey.
B:[looks at A]
It's okay, whatever, honey.
If you don't have time for a small talk, write a line expressing your frustration and close the situation.
Using a passive-aggressive honey to respond to a passive-aggressive honey is completely reciprocal.
Example:
ONE:You are wrong, dear.
B:It's okay, whatever, honey.
stefano
Hello, I'm Steven. Dating and relationships have always fascinated me. On Dategosu you will find my best advice to make your next date a success!
FAQs
What does darling mean from a guy? ›
You call someone darling if you love them or like them very much. [feelings]
When a guy starts calling you darling? ›This nickname is most commonly used by people who have intimate feelings for one another. He might also call you dear, lovely, boo, angel, etc. These are definite signs that he is harboring feelings and wants more than just friendship.
What are different ways to say darling? ›- beloved.
- cherished.
- loved.
- precious.
- favorite.
- dear.
- sweet.
- adored.
5. Darling. This is a word that does not distinguish between classes. The upper classes use it as a term of affection (“I love/adore you, darling”) and “common people” can use it for everyday situations (“what are you up to, darlin'?”, for example).
Is Darling a friendly word? ›This is used as a name between people who love each other and people who are being friendly. As a friendly way of talking to someone it is not usually used between men.
What does Darling mean in text? ›1. : dearly loved : favorite. : very pleasing : charming.
Does Darling mean cute? ›favorite; cherished. Informal. charming; cute; lovable: What a darling baby!
What does it mean when a stranger calls you darling? ›Somebody suggested that it might simply be a sign of a confident, friendly, outgoing person. Others suggested that it's an ego thing when a man (or woman) assumes that a woman would be complimented or flattered by his calling her "darling."
What did Darling mean? ›Darwin is a masculine name of British origin, rarely in need of introduction. Evolved from the Old English Deorwine, Darwin means "dear friend," though its reputation conjures a far more fatherly figure.
When a guy calls you babe and you're not dating? ›He's a close friend. Guys often do not say much, but such overtones are their silent way of expressing what you mean to them. Calling you 'babe' is how they express they like you as a friend and feel close to you.
How do you say darling in slang? ›
- angel.
- baby.
- beloved.
- boyfriend.
- dear.
- dearest.
- dearie.
- flame.
Note: This is used as a name between people who love each other and people who are being friendly. As a friendly way of talking to someone it is not usually used between men.
How do you respond to a cute compliment? ›- “Thank you, it makes my day to hear that.”
- “I really put a lot of thought into this, thank you for noticing.”
- “Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to express that.”
- “Thank you, I am happy to hear you feel that way!”
- 01“Good morning to you too, handsome.” ...
- 02“Good morning babe, you're up early.” ...
- 03“This made my day, and it hasn't even really started yet.” ...
- 04“You made my morning feel good.” ...
- 05“Hey, sleepyhead, have a great day!”