The Good Men Project Become a Premium Member We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable. Why We Use Cute Little Pet Names for Our Significant Other There’s a lot more meaning and science behind these private nicknames than couples realize. Last month I got busted. My big, burly boxing coach heard me call my wife “Pooki” when she dropped by the gym. I know better than to use her pet name in public, but it just slipped out by accident.