You totally thought this was going to be some deep think piece on the philosophy of modern dating, didn’t you?
Well phew, it’s not! Just some lighthearted real talk about one little three-letter word that makes a guy’s face light up brighter than a kid’s on Christmas.
“Cute.”
Now before you go rolling your eyes and calling ME cute (I am, thanks), just hear me out! There’s more to this than just an excuse for guys to be overgrown man-children.
As someone who’s spent years diving into the squishy depths of the male psyche, I’ve got a few insights that could help you wield the c-word in ways that bring you closer instead of driving him away.
Brace Yourself, We’re Going on a Guy Feelings Safari
So let’s get into the nitty gritty! Why does calling a dude “cute” make him absolutely melt, when he’d NEVER want to be described as “adorable” or “precious”?
Well my friends, strap on your metaphorical pith helmets because we’re going on a GUYS FEELINGS safari to track down this majestic beast in its natural habitat. Here are 10 big reasons why the c-word is pure catnip for your man:
- It Makes Him Feel Seen as a Human Being, Not Just a Slab of Meat
Look, we all know the score – guys are hyper-aware that they’re often reduced to a bunch of abs, biceps, and jawlines in the dating realm. Having a woman call him “cute” reminds him that YOU see HIM, the total dorky package, not just his smoldering looks.
- It Taps Into His Inner White Poodle Wanting to Be Babied
…Is what I would say if I was an insensitive jerk. But there IS an element of allowing guys to feel cared for, almost cherished in a nurturing way that taps into a deep need we all have. Don’t babyTALK to him though, yeeesh!
- It’s the Ultimate Compliment Coming From You
When that special someone looks at him with stars in her eyes and a warm smile and utters the c-word, it just HITS DIFFERENT. Whether you’re being flirty, teasing, or simply stating it matter-of-factly, your admiration is like a validating full-body hug.
- It Makes Him Feel Like He Can Let His Guard Down
In a world that constantly demands machismo, being seen as “cute” oddly gives a guy permission to relax and not HAVE to be the biggest, baddest wolf in the pack all the time. It’s a valve release from toxic masculinity’s pressure cooker.
- You’re Acknowledging His Appealing “Human” Quirks
Look, Jason Momoa is sexy and smoldering 24/7, but when YOU call a dude “cute,” you’re celebrating those irresistible little imperfect quirks and mannerisms that feel authentic to his unique personality. It makes him feel special, like you REAL
- It’s an Easy-In to The Flirt Vortex!
“You’re cute.” Two words, one smoooooth move that disrupts the conversation just enough to spiral into all kinds of flirty banter and teasing as his cheeks go red. Any excuse for a cheeky back-and-forth!
- It Appeals to His Desire to Please and Provide
Guys may not want to ADMIT this, but being called “cute” tugs at those primal urges to be a protector and provider. It activates his nurturing, chivalrous side as he preens over the idea of caring for his cute lil companion.
- It’s the Perfect Specific Yet Ambiguous Compliment
By calling him “cute” you’ve both complimented his physical features while also suggesting an appealing personality and je ne sais quois. It’s a versatile, catch-all term of endearment and attraction!
- It Makes Him Feel Validated Without Being Objectified
This one is critical – in a world where attractive women are constantly ogled and harassed, we KNOW how uncomfortable that can feel. Being called “cute” is a guy’s opportunity to bask in your appreciation without being grossly sexualized.
- It’s a Reminder That You Adore HIS Version of Masculinity
So many dudes are struggling with antiquated scripts of what a “real man” is supposed to be like. Calling him “cute” reinforces that you love and are attracted to the specific ways HE expresses his identity as a man. No judgment, just warm feels.
This Isn’t About Getting Guys to Be Man-Children
Look, I’ll be the first to say that grown-ass adults ACTING like literal children is NOT A THING I endorse. No one needs an eternally arrested adolescent refusing to help out at home or take any responsibility.
BUT – that doesn’t mean we have to rob guys of any semblance of playfulness or moments where they can retreat into feeling delighted over simple joys.
Calling a guy “cute” when he’s doing something totally endearing gives you both a chance to break free from taking life SO damn seriously all the time. It’s permission to be silly, to revel in the adorable quirks that make each of our personalities unique.
Besides, do you really want to be with some robotic dude who NEVER lets his guard down and allows himself to experience uncontrolled bursts of infectious, childlike joy? No ma’am!
The healthiest, most resilient people have fur-baby souls brimming with innocent wonderment alongside the ability to clear taxes and pick up their socks.
The “Cute” Call is a Vitamin for Love
At the end of the day, calling a guy “cute” is a delicious cocktail of validation, attraction, affection, and playful teasing all in one lip-smacking sip. When done right and received with openness, it’s pure magic.
So don’t be afraid to wield the c-word, ladies! Done with authentic fondness and a wink in your voice, it can transform a guy’s whole demeanor in delightful ways. You’ll melt their tough outer shell until a sweet lil puppy dog comes tumbling out.
Just make sure to give that puppy its space to breathe and be a man again too. Finding the balance between being completely cherished yet also respected and empowered in their masculinity is a beautiful dance.
And one deliciously attractive step is calling him “cute” once in awhile!
I’m Sarah Koch, and I work as a Relationship Coach in Austin, Texas. I’ve been doing this job for more than 9 years. I studied Sociology and Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. My main goal is to help people create strong and happy relationships. I also wrote a book called “Irresistible Texting” to share my ideas on how to have better relationships through texting.
