Adults’ cutesy baby-talk shtick a real turn-off

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This article was published 16/01/2024 (987 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I can’t stand when adults act cute and speak in baby talk. It’s infantilism and I hate it. I thought I would encounter it less as I got older, but I’m finding many women still do this.

If I wanted to date children, I would seek professional help. I don’t know why so many adults insist on acting like kids.

If someone is responsive to the “cute-voice” thing then I think you should be suspicious. Even worse is it never goes well when I have tried to approach this subject and tell someone I don’t like it. Everyone has taken it as a personal attack.

How do I find an adult who wants to act like an adult these days? It’s become ridiculous.

— Sorry, Not ‘Sowwy,’ Osborne Village

Dear Sorry: Correcting an adult baby-talker alone, or in front of other people, can cause their bottom lip to tremble, or simply infuriate them. Then you have a real problem on your hands.

You’re way better off to say “Excuse me,” and walk away without explanation. Let them figure out why. If you must say something, make it a curt couple words such as “not cute” and find a quick reason to exit the conversation — or simply roll your eyes and be off.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I’m turning 30 this year and starting to feel like a failure because I still work in an entry-level job, live in a crummy apartment and am constantly broke. All my friends seem to be starting families, buying houses and generally making something of themselves, while I feel like I’m 17 going on 30.

I would go back to school if I had any idea what I wanted to do with my life, but I have no clue. I’m bad at math and sciences so those are out.

I haven’t been in a relationship since before COVID and now I don’t feel like I bring all that much to the table, so I don’t even try.

I’m just feeling kind of lost and clueless in 2024. Where do I go from here?

— Floating Around, River Heights

Dear Floating: Career counselling is your best bet — face-to-face — in addition to taking all the tests available for correlating personality type, career interests and compatibility.

I know this from personal experience. When I was in my mid 20s teaching at a school and feeling restless, I paid for a university’s private counselling services to take their written tests. I spent several hours rating my interests in all types of things and answering a lot of questions, including the types of people I like to be around.

Those tests revealed a number of careers that would best suit a very inquisitive nature (OK, nosy) and outgoing personality. Then I spoke with a counsellor, and weighed the options. The test results were exciting — tailor-made for me.

By the next fall, I was driving to Ottawa in my old beater. I switched from teaching to studying at Carleton University for a career in journalism — primarily radio and print media.

The side benefit was I also found out amusing things through the testing process, like the fact I was poorly-suited to be a nun, but that I’d be a very happy navy officer (bossy, and love the ocean and travelling).

The testing cost a couple hundred dollars — a whole lot to me then — but it was one of the best investments of my life. You can order similar tests online, but the personal help and advice of a live career counsellor is invaluable and will help you take the next steps to speed you on your way to success.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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