What does it mean when a guy pats a girl on the head?

[Anonymous]

I'm 5'6" so I don't consider myself that short, which is usually why I pat other friend's heads. But my guy friend likes to pat me on the head...

It makes me wonder how he sees me though -- "silly/cute little sister" or "cute girl I wanna date."

[EvanNassau]

It depends. It could mean:

1. He sees you as a "silly/cute little sister"

2. Or, he may want to date you.

That's why you probably will want to contextualize this behavior with the rest of what he does and says, to get an idea of where he's coming from.

Because you aren't short:

3. He's probably asserting that he's the guy and you are the girl (as women are typically shorter i.e. the ones to be patted on the head)

4. This relates to power dynamics i.e. he could be doing this either in a flirtatious, teasing way, or in contrast based on his own insecurity and desire to assert himself.

- Evan

What can’t ladies stand about men? -> link

[Xenophobia]

Yeah it means your the cute and cuddly little sister type. Nothing wrong with that.

[Anonymous]

Guys do that to me all the time, but it's because I'm short (I'm 16 years old and 4'10''). Haha, I see it as a silly/cute little sister thing :3

[ravenlily318]

Hmm I had a guy friend pat me on the head all the time and I know for a fact he had the biggest crush on me. Could really go either way.