Using pet names could make your relationship stronger

Some couples can’t string a sentence together without calling their other half ‘honey’ or ‘baby’. While others, squirm at the very notion of a pet name.

But new findings suggest that people who use cutesy monikers are happier in their relationships than those who do not.

According to a recent study conducted by Superdrug Online Doctor, 87% of American couples use pet names in comparison to 74% of Europeans.

Pet names
Where do you stand on using pet names in a relationship? Photo: Getty

But before you mock friends who thrive in PDA, the study indicates that people in relationships who call their partner an affectionate moniker are 16% happier than those who prefer not to.

Yet before you rush to comment beneath your partner’s latest Instagram selfie, there’s a number of pet names that people despise.

According to the research, ‘Papi’ takes the top spot as the most hated pet name at 73%. This is followed by ‘Daddy’ (72%) and ‘Sweet Cheeks’ (66%).

On the other hand, if you’re hoping to really impress your other half, it’s all down to personal preference.

Whether you love or loath them, pet names could be key to a successful relationship. Photo: Getty
Whether you love or loath them, pet names could be key to a successful relationship. Photo: Getty

Over in Germany, the most popular pet name is ‘Schatz’ which translates to ‘sweetheart’ while Americans prefer to be called ‘pretty’ or ‘gorgeous’.

But who’s guilty of using pet names the most?

Results of the study, which surveyed 1,000 couples in total, men are surprisingly most likely to use loving slang (85%) in comparison to women (76%).

According to researchers, this is due to the fact that intimate conversations often lead to more meaningful sex.

And when it comes to the bedroom, the most popular pet names include ‘baby’, ‘babe’ and ‘honey’ – proving there’s far less time for creativity.

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com

Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.