Men are not as straightforward as often perceived and deciphering the meaning behind a guy calling you "pretty" can be challenging. The following are 10 possible interpretations of why he calls you pretty and tips on how to respond.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN A GUY CALLS YOU PRETTY?
When a guy calls you "pretty," it could mean a number of things. It may be a genuine compliment, an expression of shyness or inability to express deeper feelings, a way to boost your confidence, or any of a variety of other reasons.
The following are some of the most common explanations for why a guy may call you "pretty."
1. He Likes More About You Than Your Face
When a guy finds more than just your appearance appealing, he may refer to you as "pretty" instead of "cute" or "sexy." This implies that he finds your entire being, including your personality, attractive. It suggests that he is comfortable expressing his admiration for more than just your physical appearance.
2. He Finds You Very Attractive Sexually
When a guy is attracted to more than just your physical appearance, he may opt to call you "pretty" instead of using more intense compliments like "sexy" or "beautiful." This can indicate that he wants to express his attraction while still keeping some level of discretion. In essence, he is telling you that he finds you attractive, but not revealing the full extent of his feelings.
3. He Wants To Compliment You In Anyway Possible
"Pretty" is a classic compliment that guys often use. It could be genuine and simply a way for the guy to express that he finds you attractive. However, this compliment is also often used by "players" and lacks specificity compared to words like "sexy" or "beautiful". Nevertheless, no one can deny that being called pretty is always a positive experience.
4. He Has A Major Crush On You
When a guy is too nervous to reveal his true feelings or fears rejection, he may opt for a safer compliment such as calling you "pretty" rather than something more intimate. This is because he wants to hide his true feelings and avoid using cute terms that may give away his real emotions.
5. He Appreciates You For Who You Are
Believe it or not, ladies, a guy may call you pretty simply because he appreciates your beauty. This can be true whether you've known him for a long time or a short time. Appreciating the beauty of an attractive woman is one of life's simplest pleasures.
6. He Is Complimenting Your Clothes
When a guy calls you "pretty" instead of more elaborate compliments, it may be because he likes your outfit. However, when your clothes come off, he may start complimenting you more intimately.
7. It's Part Of His Culture To Say What He Thinks
The cultural context plays a role in the meaning behind being called "pretty". It's important to consider the location and background of the person and yourself to determine if they're simply being polite or genuinely flirting with you.
8. He Wants To Get To Know You Badly
Sometimes guys use unconventional methods to get to know women, such as calling them "pretty" and complimenting their clothing. Some guys hope that the woman will become more open after receiving such a compliment, while others carefully build a flirtatious relationship before using the "pretty" compliment.
9. He Is Speaking To You In A Condescending Way
There are many individuals who use the word "pretty" in a condescending manner towards girls they don't find attractive. These individuals are rude and unkind, and deserve to be reprimanded. Even well-intentioned people, who may be having a rough day, can sometimes unintentionally use the word in a belittling way.
10. He Is Measuring Your Reaction To His Flirtiness
At times, a guy may call you "pretty" just to gauge your response to his compliment. This could be for various reasons like seeking a romantic or sexual relationship, checking if you have mutual feelings, or verifying that you already know of his attraction to you.
HOW TO RESPOND WHEN A GUY CALLS YOU PRETTY
To effectively respond to a man calling you "pretty", it's important to understand its meaning. Here are some tips for your response.
In-person
Your reaction to being called "pretty" by a man in person can greatly impact the situation. If you find it acceptable, there are ways to express your approval. On the other hand, if his advances are unwanted, there are ways to communicate that as well. Here are some tips for both scenarios:
If You Like It
Greet him with a smile
Maintain eye contact
Give a playful wink and offer a witty remark
Compliment him on his looks
Take a physical approach, such as holding his hand.
Inquire about what physical traits or qualities he finds attractive about you.
If It's Unwanted
Stop engaging with him
Leave the situation
Block or disregard the message
Express that his statements are not appreciated
Inform him that his remarks are making you feel uneasy
In-text/online
Receiving a compliment of being "pretty" online or in text is less intimidating as it allows you to consider your response. Here are tips on how to respond if you like it or don't:
If You Like It
Express appreciation by sending a smiley emoji
A winking emoji is also an effective way to acknowledge the compliment and show gratitude
Flirt back by telling him he's cuter than you
sending a playful message or a suggestive photo is another way to respond
If It's Unwanted
Handle offensive comments by blocking the sender
Ignore the comment if it is not wanted
Express your discomfort by informing the sender that you do not appreciate the compliment
Clarify your relationship status by letting the sender know that you are in a committed relationship
COMMON QUESTIONS
Why Would He Tell You That You're Cute (Instead Of Pretty)?
If a man calls you "cute," it could mean he doesn't find you as physically attractive as other women or he is joking about your youthful appearance. "Cute" is often used by men to describe women they don't consider sexually attractive. In essence, if you're being referred to as "cute," you may not be the man's preferred type.
What If A Guy Calls You Pretty Often?
If he frequently compliments you on your appearance, it's a sign that he's interested in you. However, it's polite for a man to let a woman know she's attractive in a respectful manner.
Is It Better To Be Called Pretty Or Beautiful?
The preferred term between "pretty" and "beautiful" varies for individuals and depends on the context. However, generally, young women prefer to be called "pretty" while mature women prefer to be referred to as "beautiful."
What's The Difference Between Pretty And Beautiful?
Many guys describe girls or women who are visually appealing as "pretty." You don't have to have the looks of a supermodel to be considered pretty by a guy. On the other hand, being described as "beautiful" is often considered a higher compliment and closer to the appearance of a supermodel. However, it's important to remember that beauty is subjective, and if someone considers you beautiful, it's a sincere compliment.
Is Pretty Lady A Compliment?
Being referred to as a "pretty lady" can have different connotations depending on the man and situation. If a man says it in response to a woman hitting on him, it can be seen as a rejection. On the other hand, if he greets her with the phrase, it is a compliment.
CONCLUSION
A man calling a woman pretty usually means it, but it's not always the case. If he tells you he thinks you're pretty, it's a clear indication that he likes you.
