"Partners"

[leftyjew]

So when you tell someone that you have a "partner," what does that mean to them? When I hear it, I think a serious relationship and usually gay or queer. Really, I usually think of it as a queer substitute for husband or wife. I'd like to start applying the term more liberally, but I know that I have straight friends who would be weirded out if I started asking how their partners were. "BOYfriends" and "GIRLfriends" are strange to have if you're over 20. Very odd if you're over 40, but English lacks a more mature word for this relationship. I'm not a boy, and I'm not interested in dating girls. Rather date women who have at least some of their shit together....

Comments

[queerrocket.livejournal.com]

I don't like the word partner. It sounds like business. Lover works, but it sounds too dramatic. It'd be just right if I lived in an Italian villa.

I usually opt for "boo".

[kellev.livejournal.com]

also: significant other

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

I use partner a lot. I like it. My husband IS my partner.

If people are weirded out they need to grow up.

[alanscottevil.livejournal.com]

i used to think "partner" sounded dumb, but i've been warming to it lately. i find the word "spouse" works pretty good.

no idea on what to call people who are dating at this age but not in a permanent way.

let's coin something.

[leftyjew.livejournal.com]

that's so impersonal and wordy...

[leftyjew.livejournal.com]

love monkey?

[bluejeanjexy.livejournal.com]

I agree, I think maybe it sounds like a filler ingredient in processed foods.

[alanscottevil.livejournal.com]

dude that's perfect.

now i gotta go find someone to be my love monkey. :)

[arctic-alpine.livejournal.com]

I'd been liking the sound of partner, I think its a pretty accurate description of what I'm looking for in a relationship. but can't beat "love monkey"

[rivka-m.livejournal.com]

lol.
thing is, I don't think I could use that in conversation with a straight face. not that a little more laughter hurts anythings....

[(Anonymous)]

i think "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" are two of those words that have become so entrenched in the english language and so ubiquitously applied for so long that their original meaning really doesn't matter anymore.

that said, there are alternatives: for boyfriend, beau; for girlfriend, lady friend; or simply "mate" for both. but I think i'll stick with boyfriend/girlfriend. i'm not a fan of "partner," really.

BTW, this is sarina.