Nicknames

We all have a nickname, but how do you figure out the right one to use for others? Nicknames can be taken so many different ways. I mean, how can you figure out the right nickname for someone without them feeling like you are putting them down or following stereotypes with it. I guess I am not as creative as I used to be. I used to have such creativity, I would have came up with something that would be good, regardless who the person was... Nowadays though, I seem to be seriously lacking when it comes to thinking up stuff like that. I just don't what to do anymore, especially considering that some friends don't want to be mentioned by name on these type of things so nicknames get put in the name's place. But what type of nickname would you use? You can call someone Rebel, Princess, Wild Child, Dog Lover, Girlie Girl, Party Hopper, and still those names would somehow get misconstrued by the individual. Anyway, just thought I would throw this out there and just leave it up to debate or whatever....