Can an Eco-Friendly Pet Name Improve Your Relationship?

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DCL

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This is the third in a series of posts about sexual health and eco-friendly romance. Got a question? Need answers? Leave a comment below.

Angel, Babe, Baby Cakes, Big Daddy, Boo-buns, Frixie Pixie, Flirt, Honey Bunny, Hug-a-lump, Hunk, Numbie-numbs, Peanut, Pookie Bear, Pop-tart, Smoochie, Sparky, Stud Monkey, Tiger Toes, Yummers, Winky. Ever wondered what's in a name and why we use them to coddle our relationships?

What is a Pet Name and How Can it Help my Relationships?

It is true that pet names can be a difficult thing for some people to get used to and actually find the strength to speak outright and honestly. There is an unspoken commitment that comes when you bestow a pet name upon your lover. You are, in a sense, creating a symbol of ownership to that person and the relationship in general. This is why pet names should be saved for someone special, and the eco-pet name reserved for that special person who is willing to follow a green lifestyle with you.

Personally, I judge the quality of a pet name by how quickly it was given as to how special it actually is. If one should pop up within the first week of dating, say, you can probably bet on the fact that you were not the original "Poo Bear" in your new companion's life. (And, if they actually use the phrase, "Poo Bears #48," then I highly recommend that you look hard and long at where the relationship is going, because I can probably guarantee you it will be going on to a Poo Bear #49, 50, 51, and so on.) Of course, pet names can also be original and sweet, and when they appear naturally and spontaneously, they can also be genuine sign of affection and closeness.

So How Can a Pet Name be Green?

if one of your requirements for companionship is that your partner share your green values, then the simple, honest, and humble pet name might also become a means to build up the green nature of your relationship. You can think of it as sort of a reminder of your commitment to each other and Mother Earth.

So, I put a request on Craigslist requesting that people send me any eco-pet names they actually use.

Here's an example of what I got:

"My boyfriend is my 'Special Re-useable' because we buy used goods and when we break-up we always get back together in slightly re-used condition."

Awwww.

Okay, it's a weird nickname, but at least they're recycling! See how you can take a relationship, add an element of green, and increase the love connection?

Set a Green Precedent

Often a couple will find they are slightly at odds on the green front. One member of the couple might eat processed meat, throw plastic and glass bottles in the trash, purchase overly packaged and processed goods at the store, or replace their electronic gadgetry faster than a rock star goes through a hairstyle. A special someone eco-name, however, can help your S.O. get—and stick—with the green program.

Now, I cannot promise that eternal love and happiness will be yours even if you the perfect green pet name, but they can be a lot of fun, and they could also help set a green precedent for your relationship. At the very least, you?ll probably ave the most unique names within your circle of friends! (Until you forwarded them the link to this post, of course. Wink, wink!)

My Personal List of Favorite Green Pet Names

Now, I cannot leave a story like this without at least offering a few samples to get you started. Here are a few of my current personal eco-pet name favorites:

- Snuggle Furnace

- Greenie Beanie

- Bicycle Babe

- Mr. Earthitti

- Captain Planet

- eco-Tarzan

- eco-Jane

- Sir Save-a-lot

- Lady Green-is-here

- Hybrid Hug Bug

- Organic Sweet Pea

- Green Musketeer