<human>: Lets jump right in. Being called "dude" by someone that I am romantically involved with has always bothered me. For whatever reason, this term has always made me feel like I am less of a romantic interest or significant other and more like a friend. 

Recently my current S/O (21F) of 6 months, and I have had some problems and we are currently working through them. The biggest of these problems being that she was in an abusive and controlling relationship and is not ready to be serious. We met and started moving quickly, which she thought she could handle, but last month she reached a breaking point and since then we have cooled things down and moved more slowly, as well as getting rid of the label of "boyfriend/girlfriend".   

This is something that I understand, and I know it is not her fault that she had past problems with her relationships. Everything has been positive lately, we have slowed things down and shifted our focus to keeping a positive attitude around each other and minimizing unneeded negativity. I don't mind so much, in fact, I'm happier with her now than ever before and feel like we are making huge strides forward. 

Lately though she has started referring to me as "dude". The instances in which it happens are few and far between but every time she says it I'm just rubbed the wrong way. I feel like I'm being super nitpicky and crazy, and this is why I haven't said anything because even though things are not as serious as they were in the first few months of our relationship I feel like it's stronger than ever. 

I guess what I'm really looking for is someone to tell me that I'm being stupid and overthinking everything. Maybe some of you also refer to your significant others as "dude" on occasions and can attest that it doesn't mean anything in regards to your feelings for your S/O. 

Any validation that I am in fact a complete fool is much appreciated.

Summarize the given text in a few sentences.
<bot>: My S/O has been referring to me as "dude" since we slowed things down and it rubs me the wrong way.