Dear Maggie,

I’ve recently started “dating” a new guy, who is nine years older. It’s going pretty well so far, but I’m wary of getting too serious too soon. So far he seems okay with that, but I worry that things will change. He’s called me “sweetie” three times and “baby” once, and my sister said once guys start calling you pet names like those, they think you’re their girlfriend. How can I let him know that I’d like to keep this relationship casual and fun, rather than serious and heavy, without hurting his feelings or putting him off?

Signed,

Fancy Free

Dear Fancy,