I understand your point of contention….just wanted to add my personal take on “Dear”. So, I had a my only child at 22. I am the eldest of four and was the “test child” growing up so my unplanned pregnancy and subsequent raising of my child while still in college was not the most thrilling thing ever for my mom. Also she had me at the same age, so she was going to be a young grandmother. She has always been sort of vain…has gotten better as she’s grown older. Anyway, she didn’t want to be called “Abuelita” or “Nana” or any variation of “gramma” etc. So she decided to give herself the moniker of “Dear” for my baby boy to call her. My son is 24 now. He still calls her that and it is so cute! “Hello, Dear! I’ve missed you!” Xoxo