Calling someone darling means a lot of things, all of which are defined by you.
Calling someone darling doesn’t always mean flirting, but it means you have a soft spot for them.
The term darling is a term of endearment that is commonly used within a close relationship or partner. It is an affectionate word that shows someone is special to you.
When you call someone darling, you have to take the context and relationship between the both of you.
Most times calling someone darling is a means of showing affection, and in lesser cases, it is used to tease or joke with friends.
If you aren’t sure if calling someone darling is flirting, it is good to err on the side of caution. Don’t assume the other person will understand your interest in them, by calling them darling
Observe their reaction when called darling. These cues and actions can inform you of the right action to take.
5 Other Things It Means When Someone Calls You Darling
There are other meanings when someone calls you darling. It’s a term of endearment used to express familiarity or affection.
Here, we will explain possible meanings when someone calls you darling.
1. It Means They Like you
When someone calls you darling, it’s a term of endearment that often means they like you. Usually, it is used between two people who are linked romantically. Couples use this term often, as do family members.
The relationship between the both of you matters because this is what will define it to the other person.
And if you are not close to the person who has called you darling, it is important to have them call you something else.
2. It is Their Way Of Showing Affection
People use terms of endearment like darling, babe, etc, to show affection. This is because words like this have been used over time to refer to those who are in a close relationship.
One possible meaning someone would call you darling is their way of letting you know their love language. Sweet words, phrases, or comments convey the intense feeling of attraction they have toward you.
By calling you darling, they can express their love, care, or concern for you. If you are not in a relationship or close with them, ensure you address such feelings in them with a conversation.
3. It is Used To Express Familiarity
Words like darling can be used to express familiarity between individuals. This is commonly used by older persons or those involved romantically. It is used to show the other person you are a friend.
The word darling is used to make strangers feel comfortable with new people or have a conversation. It’s a way to tell them you see them and acknowledge their presence.
Since it’s a term of endearment also, it creates a bonding feeling from the speaker to the listener.
4. They Are Mocking You
Though a rare occurrence, someone can call you darling in a mocking manner. They will employ sarcasm in the manner and tone they call you darling. Here, they use a term of endearment to disguise the mockery towards you.
This is often used as a way to trigger or upset you by calling you darling in a derogatory manner or way. And it can be used on any gender with the same malcontent intentions.
When someone does this, it’s almost impossible not to notice the sarcasm and the disrespect in the comment.
5. They Want Other To Know You Are Special
Calling someone darling can also be a way of announcing how special that person is to you. People will do this in a crowd or small gathering as a sign telling others you are dear to them and they care about you.
It’s also a message to show you they are going to acknowledge you or the relationship you have in public too. This is an indication of their feelings and a very expressive one.
It is important to clear facts with friends and companions who use such words, so they don’t sell the wrong idea to others. If you don’t want anyone calling you darling, go ahead and tell them.
Who Do We Say Darling To?
Are you wondering who to say darling to? It can get a bit confusing with all the rules placed in social interaction these days, to truly know who should be called darling.
You should know that you have the choice to call anyone you wish, from friends, family, kids, partners, colleagues, pets, and even used as an actual name for anything.
What is okay to consider is how the other person reacts to being called a darling. If they are comfortable with it, then by all means continue.
The term darling is one used between people who care for each other.
Here are a few examples of people you can say darling to.
- Your romantic partner
- Your spouse
- Your kids
- Your parents
- Your best friend
- Your pet
Keep in mind that the term darling can mean different things to different people. This is due to differences in culture, language, and customs.
Ensure you understand the proper context and mostly the most acceptable form of communication of a person before calling anyone darling.
This will enable you not to step out of line or offend anyone with a wrong impression.
You cannot use the word calling in a professional setting for example, so the context is important when saying this to anyone as well as place and time.
If you are unsure of whether to use the word dealing with anyone, then keep using other phrases or call them by their name.
The word darling however is universally accepted as a term of endearment. It expresses a genuine desire or feelings for the other person. It’s often used to display a deep sense of trust and love.
This means that there is almost no limit to who or what can be referred to as darling. It is a word that derives a meaning that only you and the other person give to it.
What To Do When Someone Calls You Darling
Have you ever been stuck in a situation where someone calls you darling and you don’t know what to say or do?
Here we are going to highlight a few things you can do in such moments.
1. Acknowledge It As A Compliment
Anytime someone calls you darling and you are comfortable with them calling you. You can acknowledge it as a complaint.
When you do this, it tells them you are welcoming and friendly. This way they will be willing to have an interesting conversation with you. Use this with persons with whom you are also interested.
Speaker: You look fabulous today darling.
Say “thank you dear for the kind words. You look wonderful too”
Other ways you can respond to this is
- Thank you I appreciate that
- That is very kind of you to say
- You’re sweet
2. Respond With A Compliment
When you are called darling, it is important to respond with a compliment of your own especially if you know them as friends. This is best with partners or close family friends. It tells them you appreciate their compliment.
Doing this will have a positive effect, especially with strangers too. It helps those who are attempting to strike a friendship with you.
Speaker: Hello darling, it is nice to meet you. How are you?
Say Hi dear, it is wonderful to make your acquaintance, and I’m great thanks for asking.
Other ways to respond to this include;
- You’re a darling too
- Thank you, darling
- You’re welcome darling
3. Tell Them To Stop
If you feel uncomfortable with anyone calling you darling, you must tell them to stop. Doing this will ensure they never do this again, and you don’t have to deal with such an experience.
When you do this, politely ask them to stop, telling them you don’t like being called darling. It helps to also inform them of the proper way and terms you will like to be identified.
Speaker: Hey darling, I haven’t seen you in a while. I have missed you.
Say: Hello there, please kindly call me Angela moving forward, that’s how I prefer to be addressed than you.
Other ways to tell them to stop include;
- I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable being called darling
- I prefer to be called by my name
- I don’t find that an appropriate way to address me
On a final note
You should know that darling can be used for flirting or as a form of greeting. And the relationship between people usually defines what it means.
It’s widely accepted as rude when a stranger calls another person’s darling so this should be avoided at all costs.
When you are called darling it is important to know that your comfort matters. You shouldn’t feel obligated to accept being called darling or any other thing. If you are not okay with it, it’s okay to tell them to stop.
