If he starts messages with 'hi lovely'...

[ColdHandsColdFeetWarmHeart]

... how do I start mine?

He calls me 'lovely' and 'sweetheart' which I definitely like, but can't think of anything to reply with - what affectionate terms can you use for a man?

I'm 50+ and so out of practice with this!

Darling? I also call DH ‘mate’ but I appreciate that’s not for everyone

Hello handsome?

I dunno though about trying to match his texting style. I'd stick to my own.

Run.

He can't use your actual name?!?

I would just call him by his name

I like darling. Feel it's totally unisex and ageless if that makes sense

Maybe he can't remember your name?

You don't have to use an affectionate name for him just because he does for you. His pet names would give me the ick actually because they're both really condescending in my opinion

Either just his name or nothing (ie just 'hi'). I sometimes call my partner gorgeous over text (hi gorgeous) but we have been together some time...it sounds as if you haven't so I would probably avoid cutesy names for now!

You do not have to mirror, you are different people. I start either with 'Hi' or just launch straight in.

I have never called anyone other than my kids any sort of pet name, but if someone called me one that is fine.

@tintodeverano2

Maybe he can't remember your name?

Or avoiding getting names mixed up because he has multiple wives?

I would assume he was sending out messages to many people and uses the word lovely for practical reasons.

Just use his name.

"Run.

He can't use your actual name?!?"

Bit harsh 😂 I say hi lovely in most of my messages...

You don’t have to mirror his style . If I’m feeling super affectionate I’ll say ‘hey lovely man’ or use darling but that’s rare 😅

I'd go for the equally generic 'hey you'

Once he's a proper partner then 'hey love'

I also use Mr and you to male friends in an affectionate way.... So hey Mr how you doing? Or hey you hope you're having a good week..... Less sickly perhaps

I have a good friend who always starts her messages to me and to our friends with 'hi lovely/lovlies'. Is it possibly a regional colloquialism? She is from around Cheshire. I would just use his name in response.

"Alright treacle"

Oh you lot are just hilarious and so bloody unromantic!

It's a term of affection, it's a new relationship and it's really sweet in my (obviously unpopular) opinion...

I use 'hi lovely' for close female friends, just doesn't feel right for him. Using his name feels a bit formal so unless anyone has got any better ideas I'll stick with emoticons, I'm good at them!

Oy fuckface

@Helga55

"Alright treacle"

love this! might try it out...

Cor blimey mister

@TellingBone

Oy fuckface

hahaha... NO!

Names we use when texting each other are

Sausage
Sweetie
Darling
Knobhead (sometimes affectionately sometimes not)
Babe
Bloke/women
Love/my love/lovely
Chicken
And a shortened version of our names.

I would just use his name if you are not naturally using a pet name.

Hi gorgeous

What about Honey?