I have heard people say a lot of things about calling someone dear. Many think it is wrong to call someone who is not your intimate friend dear, while others think it is not bad. Before we delve into calling someone dear, let’s look at the word ‘Dear’. Dear simply means beloved person. It is also used as a term of endearment.
You may have been wondering what calling someone dear means, having been called it several times by the opposite or same sex. Calling someone dear means numerous things. If the opposite sex calls you dear, it might be that he or she is interested in you. It might also mean that he or she is trying to be respectful.
Calling someone dear meaning is based on the context it was used and the relationship with the person. Whether it is in a casual conversation with a friend or with your lover. In this article, you will learn everything about it.
Calling Someone Dear Meaning: 13 Meanings You Need To Know
1. Likeness or Endearment
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This is part of calling someone dear meaning. If a guy calls you dear, it probably means he is fond of you. It can also be his way of expressing his affection. It shows you are special to the caller. This is also possible if he has been showing other signs of likeness. This meaning also comes into play in a romantic relationship.
2. Friendship
Closeness breeds familiarity. Your friend might call you dear because he or she sees you as a good friend. He or she cherishes you and loves you with no strings attached.
3. Crush
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A lady can call you dear in a casual conversation if she has a  crush on you. It is her way of exhibiting her admiration. This meaning might be true if she starts texting you all the time. This is one of the calling someone dear meaning.
4. Respect and politeness
Someone may call you dear because he or she respects you. If you are superior to a lady in authority and she calls you dear, it might not have a serious meaning. It may be her way of showing you respect.
5. Culture
We have a diverse culture. What goes for one culture may fail in another. A guy who you meet in a restaurant replies to your greeting with a dear and this gets you thinking. This might not mean anything deep, as you are seeing him for the first time. This is one of the calling someone dear meaning. It might be their way of life. It is their way of addressing people.
6. Gratitude
Dear called by someone you helped, it may not mean any harm. It means appreciation and gratitude for the help rendered. It is a way of invoking the level of your worth to him or her.
7. Communication
This is one of the calling someone dear meaning. It loosens up the formality and brings in a bit of familiarity. When your boss calls you dear, it might be a way of loosening the level of formality between you and him. He or she is trying to make communication flow freely without restriction. Additionally, he or she is telling you to ‘be free’.
8. Care
Some guys are naturally caring. The guy who calls you dear may have been addressing everyone as ‘dear’ and, as such, you happen to be one of them. It is his way of showing that he cares. He is also trying to live his life and showcase his personality. This is one of the meanings of calling someone dear; you need to understand it to avoid misinterpretation.
9. Safety
A guy calling you dear could mean that you are safe. The guy calls you dear to let you know that he doesn’t only like you but you are secure with him. This will make you not be insecure or afraid of losing him.
10. Teasing
This is usually in the context where you hate pet names. If, as a guy, you detest people calling you ‘dear’ or any other pet name, then the Dear coming from your lady is a tease. She calls you and hides her face to make you laugh.
11. Test
A lady might call you dear to test and know which pet name you prefer. In this context, its meaning is simply a test of a pet name. If you react positively, dear, she might also test another pet name to know which to call you. However, a negative response from you indicates you do not like the name, and as such, she will desist from calling you that.
12. Beautiful
This is one of the calling someone dear meaning, you need to be sensitive to it. Some guys lack the confidence to talk to a lady. To a guy who rarely chases women, calling you dear means he wants to take you out on a date. It can also be a way of telling you that you are beautiful.
13. Lifestyle
It is important to decode the context in which Dear is called. It might mean nothing other than a habit. Some people have developed the habit of calling everyone dear. To them, it might be a way of making everyone look equal. For example, if a little girl passes and greets them, the next response will be ‘How are you, dear or thank you, my dear’. At this point, you should not be oblivious to the fact that its tone is a neutral one.
Calling Someone Dear Meaning: How To Respond
It is important to check out the context in which someone calls you and your relationship with the person. Also, be sensitive to the tone and body language of the person. This will help you give the right response. Here are some possible responses below:
Smile
If you are talking physically with the individual, smile at him or her and continue the conversation. If you are chatting via text, send a smiling emoji as your response to the ‘dear’. It is a more polite and respectful way to respond.
Body Language
This is a way of communicating. It works perfectly if you are with the individual physically. If you don’t like the name, let the guy know by showing him body language that portrays that, like frowning, looking away, etc. A sensitive person will pick up the signal and do the needful. Keep it respectful.
Talk
If you can, talk to the individual directly. Tell him or her that you are not comfortable with the Dear, and let him address you by your name. A responsible person will understand without any quarrel.
Use Similar Words
If your lover or friend calls you Dear, you can respond with similar words like hun, darling or sweetheart. It implies you are receptive. It also makes the conversation flow.
Thank You
This is one of the simplest responses. For instance, a stranger walked up to you and said, “Hello, dear’. Your response should be, ‘Thank you. How may I help you? and the conversation continues.
Final Word
Names are powerful, either real names or pet names. They portray our worth. Don’t frown or get agitated when someone calls you dear. Calling someone dear meaning may convey likeness, respect, etc. However, you must respond to the call either with a thank you or a similar pet name.
