I have a boyfriend and he calls girls babe and sweetie ALL the time...

[Charlotte24]

What does it mean? He always calls girls sweetie and babe. He uses babe less than sweetie. It seems like he never calls the really fat girls babe, he just calls them sweetie. It seems like he calls more of the skinny and pretty girls babe. He does it quick and brief. He doesn't make eye contact and he acts like it's just something he does without noticing. I haven't ever said anything to him about it. He never flirts with other girls in front of me but he does that. Is that flirting? Then last night he took me out to Olive Garden and called the waitress babe. Then he tipped her $10 for a $35 meal (which he always tips big anyways)but on the way back he had the nerve to ask me if I would buy him a pack of cigarettes because he ran out of money. I'm not ugly and I'm very sweet, I think he just tries to take advantage of me. What should I do? Is he a jerk?

[TheDigitalSaint]

As a guy, I don't go around calling girls babe or sweetie because in my book, that might be read as showing interest when I clearly do not want to convey such thoughts or emotions. First names generally work best with girls that you don't know that well, or a teasing name with female friends.

He might just be calling these girls such names as habit without thinking about it. I worked with an older guy that was like that and he did it all the time to girls he had no interest in chasing. I still don't think it is a good idea, but oh well.

As far as giving a large tip, at least he's generous when he likes good service, right? Is he generous in other areas, or just a bit too loose with his money in general? Have you had a talk about how to budget and what you expect in terms of money management?

Is he always asking you for money? Is he generous with you from time to time? He could have totally forgotten that he had other things to buy which sounds like he doesn't plan out his spending habits. That needs to be discussed.

Also, why would you think he's trying to take advantage of you? Has he lied to you, cheated on you or otherwise given you reason to believe that he's less than faithful or a jerk? Those are strong words you used, I am getting the feeling that you didn't give us the whole story the first time around.

What other things do you like about him and what things are causing you to worry? Saying that someone may be a jerk or trying to take advantage of you are strong accusations.