I have noticed from past relationships, and my own observations, how little my friends husbands/partners use each others real name during a day. Its either a term of endearment i.e. honey, darling, love, etc etc but sit and think how often do you use your partners real name to talk to them or attract their attention? In my view its very important and makes the person feel that extra bit special and valued.
I think it's important to use both their first name and a 'pet' name I think you lose a little of your identity as an individual if you only ever hear a pet name.
i always call my husband babe and when i use his name, i use his nickname. Thats just how i've always known him and he hates his real name. he would get the hump if i called him by his real name. Only his mother uses that.
My boy and I usually call each other 'baby' but seeing as my boyfriend is also my Duty Manager, we normally use each others names a lot, I only get called baby at work if no one else is around.
my hubby calls me Boob and i find it strange if he calls me by my name, i however rarely use anything other than his name or babe, i prefer it when my hubby calls me by my nickname :-)