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"Sweetheart" can be a super loaded phrase that can go in so many directions—sometimes, it's fun and flirty, and other times, it can be a little awkward. The vibe really depends on the guy who's saying it. We have your back, and we'll walk you through a bunch of scenarios so you have the perfect reply. Review this list and you'll know exactly how to respond—whenever the word "sweetheart" pops up, you'll have the best answer to show you're in charge of the situation!
Steps
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Show you’re thankful if it’s a friendly compliment. Enjoy the attention when a buddy describes your personality perfectly. After you’ve known a person for a long time, you can tell that any of their rave reviews about you are really sincere. Check if he’s talking about a ton of awesome traits that have nothing to do with your appearance—your honesty, integrity, and empathy all count. Say you’re glad that he sees what you value about yourself. [1] X Research source
- “Aw! You’re really thoughtful.”
- “That feels really good to hear.”
- “You always see the best in me!”
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Be a little vulnerable if a friend is trying to cheer you up. Accept comfort and solidarity when he’s just being sympathetic. That specific word might’ve just slipped out because he’s worried about you. If he’s playing it safe and just patting you on the shoulder or asking you what’s wrong, he probably sees you like family. It’s possible that he just wants to fix the situation ASAP. If his support really helps and you value the friendship, thank him for listening. [2] X Research source
- “That means a lot to me. Things have been rough.”
- “I really needed that. Mind if I vent a little more?”
- “You’re such a good friend. I’m glad you’re in my life.”
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Say you want to stay platonic if your friend has a crush. Look out for any sudden changes in his behavior—maybe he’s making more flirty comments or inviting you out to places that seem like dates. That’s a big sign he’s developed an attraction. Remind him you prefer to keep it friendly. [3] X Research source
- “Interesting word choice! Where’d that come from?”
- “Um… why don’t we just stick to ‘buddy’ instead of ‘sweetheart’”?
- “Oh, hey. I really like the friendship we've built. I don't want to change it.”
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Share that you’re interested in him if he’s flirting. Explain that the feeling’s mutual and set a fun tone. Maybe he’s seen you around often or he’s a really bold stranger that approached you the moment he saw you. If you both struck up a conversation, he might casually test out an affectionate phrase. Use that as your opportunity to say you’d like to pursue him. [4] X Research source
- “I’ve been waiting for you to come up to me!”
- “Slick. Want to take me out?”
- “Just for that, I’m buying you coffee.”
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Act shocked to create some fun tension and chemistry. Tell him how unexpected that phrase was and that you hardly know what to say. He'll enjoy getting a reaction out of you and adding some surprise to your day.
- "Oh my goodness! What do I say to that?! How about...thank you!"
- "Wow! I wasn't expecting to hear that today."
- "Aw! I'm speechless."
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Use your own pet name if you want to be really bold. Get a little playful and dish out a similar phrase. Since he took the big step to show his attraction with his brave word choice, he'll love the fun teasing and feel more encouraged. [5] X Research source
- “Are you flattering me, darling?”
- “Oh, honey! You're making me melt.”
- “Feeling brave, aren't you, babe?”
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Keep it polite with a stranger or customer. A quick and professional response is enough—then, just move on. When you’re around people you don’t know, you can get all kinds of comments. If you feel relaxed because whoever you’re interacting with seems laidback and nonthreatening, give a really brief reply. Smile and be straightforward. They’ll understand you’re just doing your job or simply trying to mind your own business.
- ”You’re welcome!”
- “Anything else I can get for you?”
- “No problem! Happy to help.”
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Try a formal reply if there’s a cultural difference. Be a role model and demonstrate social skills you’re comfortable with. Maybe the guy is from a place where it’s totally normal to use terms of endearment casually. He could also be part of a generation where it’s acceptable to make “cute” remarks in everyday settings like work. If he seems to mean well but you’d like more respect, steer the conversation in another direction. [6] X Research source
- “I appreciate that. I’ve been working on this report for months.”
- “It’s always great when your contributions are valued.”
- “Thank you. I take my work very seriously.”
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Politely stand up for yourself if he's being condescending. Make your boundaries clear so he’ll change his behavior. If his tone of voice sounds condescending and he smirks or laughs at you, act in the exact opposite way. Speak calmly and stick to a neutral facial expression. Either tell him how he should refer to you, or just directly tell him not to use such an inappropriate phrase. [7] X Research source
- “Oh, just to let you know, my name is…”
- “Please don’t call me that.”
- “We don’t have the kind of dynamic where you can say that.”
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References
- ↑ https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/-/media/CCI/Consumer-Modules/Assert-Yourself/Assert-Yourself---09---Giving-and-Receiving-Compliments-Assertively.pdf
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-mind/202009/sharing-vulnerability-secret-closer-friendships
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a19745051/dating-friend-advice/
- ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/how-to-tell-someone-you-like-them
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a29831520/cute-things-to-say-to-your-boyfriend/
- ↑ https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/5-workplace-etiquette-tips-every-professional-should-know
- ↑ http://www.mindforlife.org/nice-persons-guide-becoming-assertive/
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