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How do you call a girl before marriage?

Published in Relationship Etiquette 3 mins read

This question is ambiguous. It could refer to:

  1. What do you call a girl in terms of her societal role/status before she is married?
  2. How do you address a girl you are interested in, before you are married to her, particularly when initiating contact?
  3. What name do you use to refer to or address a girl you are dating but not yet married to?

Let's address each interpretation:

Societal Role/Status Before Marriage

Traditionally, a girl before marriage is simply called a girl, young woman, or depending on age, a young lady. There aren't special formal titles like "Missus" (Mrs.) or "Miss" (though "Miss" generally indicates an unmarried woman).

Initiating Contact and Addressing a Girl

How you address a girl you're interested in before marriage depends on the context and your relationship with her. The references provide some insights into initiating contact:

  • Be Approachable: Reference 1 suggests smiling when you talk to her. This creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Start Simple: Reference 2 recommends a simple "Hi." This is a low-pressure way to begin a conversation.
  • Offer a Genuine Compliment: Reference 2 suggests saying, "You have a very nice voice." A genuine compliment can be a good way to show interest without being overly forward.
  • Mindset: Reference 3 reminds us to approach the interaction with a loving and positive attitude.

Examples of addressing a girl you're interested in:

  • Casual acquaintance: Use her name if you know it. If you don't, a simple "Excuse me" or "Hi" works.
  • Someone you've met before: Use her name and a friendly greeting. "Hi [Name], how are you?"
  • Someone you're meeting for the first time (e.g., on a dating app): Start with a polite greeting like "Hello" or "Hi [Name]".

Addressing a Girl You Are Dating

If you are in a dating relationship, acceptable terms of address will depend on the level of intimacy and mutual agreement. This might include her first name, nicknames, or terms of endearment.

  • Use her name: The simplest and safest option is always to use her first name.
  • Consider nicknames: If you have a nickname for her that she likes, you can use that.
  • Terms of endearment: These (e.g., "sweetheart," "darling," "honey") should only be used if you have a close relationship and she is comfortable with them.

Important Considerations:

  • Respect her preferences: Always respect her wishes regarding how she wants to be addressed. If she dislikes a nickname or term of endearment, stop using it immediately.
  • Context matters: The appropriateness of certain terms depends on the situation. For example, a formal setting might call for using her full name or first name, while a private setting might be more conducive to using a term of endearment.

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