But keep calm and chat on because the biggest mistake you can make is actually overthinking it, says Nicole McDaniel, LPC, a relationship coach based in Atlanta, If you’re in a new relationship or haven’t really played with the idea of nicknames yet, calling your partner 'babe' out of nowhere can feel more than a little daunting. How can I naturally start introducing nicknames into my relationship? Laurel House is a relationship expert at eHarmony and the author of Screwing the Rules: The No-Games Guide to Love. Nicole McDaniel, LPC, is a relationship coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. Gigi Engle is a certified sex coach, sexologist, and author of All The F*cking Mistakes: a guide to sex, love, and life.

In short, it’s a way to take your relationship to the next level.

'It gives a certain romantic affiliation to the relationship, and it can make both of you feel more loved (or liked) because it shows affection.' Nicknames show your ability to be vulnerable and a willingness to not take yourself so seriously with your partner as well, notes Engle. 'There's a specialness to having a certain nickname for your partner, one that's just for the two of you,' explains Gigi Engle, a certified sex coach, sexologist, and author of All The F*cking Mistakes: a guide to sex, love, and life. is legit good for you and the health of your 'ship, experts say. If you’ve ever felt kinda weird or embarrassed about having nicknames for each other-because sure, sometimes it’s cringe-you can toss that shame aside. More than likely, you both have some specific nicknames that you call each other when no one else is around (or in front of people, because who cares!) See: bae, baby, boo, sweetie, etc. Odds are you don’t walk around the house calling them 'Partner,' though. So, you’re in a romantic relationship! That’s great.

Cute nicknames for best friends list