I don't know if any other guy has observed this, but i just do observe that ladies are now in the habit of adressing 'guys' as "dear", even the ones they barely know. Phrases like 'thanks dear', 'ok dear', 'sleeping dear', aren't uncommon these days whenever i chat with my female colleagues, even the ones i know do not any hidden motive(s). I really need an urgent explanation, as i feel the word "dear" suggests something close to intimacy and much more acceptable when used in that context. This could be between family members, male friends, partners. What makes it so confusing is that you do not know the context she's using the word. It might cause you to think she's developing softspot for you when that isn't the case, especially in ladies you know are very principled. On the other hand, she may actually be developing soft spot without you knowing.

No big deal. I use dear a lot. Not with any intentions. I personally use it Just to make the guy/girl feel special and appreciated.

Take for instance, some1(known or unknown) wishes me a happy birthday on social media. Take for instance, that person is YOU. Which will you appreciate more if I responded with ~ Thanx Or Thanks dear?

However, individuals have their motives. The above is how I see it.

old gist

happyjuliet: old gist

Exactly dear

Don't ask me dear, i dunno

Oh dear!!u've gat a dirty mind

smh

I am vewi used to it, I even use it for females. No intimate intention anywayz nd i dnt mean they r DEAR to me or special in any kind, that is wen u see guys askin "can i know more about u?" nonsense! You r nt DEAR to everybody adressn u as DEAR

Its a common old stuff for those that av bein in social forum,its also a way of subjecting ppl to your favor and view

Enegod: smh

stop shaking ur head dear!

I get this one too quite often...even "dearie", "hun", "bbz" . Actually I deciphered some of the compliments as conveying some soft invites, really.
However, in formal settings its acceptable too...
"Dear Sir/Ma"...you know...

hahahahah no my dear. The word is just a word. its just a matter of preference. It suggests nothing really. lol i can just imagine if 5 ladies randomly said dear to u in a day u would be thinkin they all have the hots for u. lol. Well i gues your question is all part of growing up. One tends to have questions they can't seem to figure sometimes

Harbosede02: stop shaking ur head dear!

*slaps her on the buttockk with my bare hands*

Yawns*

Enegod: *slaps her on the buttockk with my bare hands*

lolz...dream on!

The thing tire me too. One needs to know what the underlying motives are before one gets "nailed" in the "toasting" act.

'dear' is jux mild n frndly,my female frnds call me 'boo','hun','luv',swiry or sweetie' n its really nothing ,just a frndly approach n kip d frndship tempo appreciated,i do refer dem romantically as well esp d ones i knw or unknown xposed gfrnds....Tho sum gurls cud think odawise

Dubemkelly: 'dear' is jux mild n frndly,my female frnds call me 'boo','hun','luv',swiry or sweetie' n its really nothing ,just a frndly approach n kip d frndship tempo appreciated,i do refer dem romantically as well esp d ones i knw or unknown xposed gfrnds....Tho sum gurls cud think odawise

true talk sweetheart

NONSENSE!

Every razz gal including you is now using it thinking it makes them seem chic.

As for me, if u cal me dear and u r not ready to unleash d kitty cat...men na trouble o!

Some children ehn!mtchewwwu

[color=#006600][/color]I'm grateful to u all for your wonderful contributions, it's been helpful.

Harbosede02: true talk sweetheart

Your head is there darln *muaaah*

You're a learner.

So if someone says, you're an i.diot, dear, you'd actually be grinning like one?