Miss Rhino
The other day I ran into a girl that I went to high school with. We caught up and she introduced me to the guy she was with.
"This is my partner, Devin."
Now, maybe this is just me but I have always associated the term "partner" with same-sex couples. It confused me hearing it from a girl in reference to her boyfriend. And I wasn't the only one baffled by this. I was telling my friends about my run-in with Christine, and low and behold my friend Erin had also seen her and, once again, Christine had referred to her partner. Apparently she was throwing the word partner around all over town. Erin had immediately assumed Christine was referring to her girlfriend, but Facebook quickly proved her wrong. "In a relationship with Devin."
There is no rule that the term "partner" is reserved strictly for same-sex couples, so I guess it shouldn't have thrown me as much as it did. But I am curious. How many of you refer to your SO as your partner in everyday conversation?
Comments (48)
I *just* used the term "partner" instead of "boyfriend," "fiance," or "husband" in my blog. I just think it fits the way I was feeling about it better. I want a partner for life. I'm going to feel about him the same way I'd feel about a boyfriend, fiance or husband, but when I think of long-term relationships, I just think of people working together. As partners. Not really so weird.
I personally don't like using the term "partner". Like others, I think it sounds too business-like and I guess that's why business people use it...hehe. I just say boyfriend when I am introducing him, if I feel I need to explain our relationship status. I don't feel "partner" is reserved only for gay couples, but I can see how people would assume it is a relationship of the same-sex variety.
Yeah, "partner" does usually sound same-sex, but it's got wider use now.
"SO" to me has always sounded, like others have said, chilly. I mean, my cat could be a significant other. A celebrity I'm infatuated with could be a significant other. Please.
"Bf/gf" to me sounds like I'm 15, and I'm not.
Plus, I kinda like making people think twice when I say "partner." That amuses me.
i've actually never heard of it used the way you describe it...
Partner is just a more formal way of saying you're significant other. It's used a lot in business settings and business parties. It's kind of an older way of saying it -- I guess society has become more open minded over the years.
i just use bf...
Semantics, nothing more.
i only found out when i was 18 that my great-uncle and great-aunt were not married but were ...well what's exactly the word for it after 40+ years? partners? companions?
boyfriend/girlfriend doesn't exactly fit! i think partner/companion invokes a greater longevity and seriousness
partner? that's a little weird isn't it?
I use it for my boyfriend occasionally. It's not just for same-sex...partner is a partner....
Normally the term "Partner" is use in a married or committed same-sex relationship. When the girl said "Partner" it could have meant that they are in a committed relationship. My sister, who is a lesbin, is married and refers to her SO as partner when she introduces her to people.
I would say that my boyfriend and I are partner. He is in the Army in Germany right now and we are completely committed to each other. In other terms, he is my partner, my lover, my love.
I just call them my boyfriend or lover
mostly lover
I say boyfriend. My acupuncturist refers to his girlfriend as his partner though. *shrug*
@partial_wing@xanga - made me laugh lol.
yeah i always assume "partner" as something same-sex couples would say, thats only when i hear it anyway, i know a lot of same-sex partners.
I never have, he's my boyfriend. Partner seems like an odd word choice.
I do, but that's because I am gay. I don't find it unusual for other people to do so, however.
I use the words mate and partner. Lover and honey poo (along with other pet names) always felt awkward.
i just say boyfriend.
i don't like the word 'partner' ... seems so impersonal.
I never do. One time a girl said it to describe her boyfriend/baby daddy, and I was SO confused.
When I hear the word partner, I think same-sex couples too. It's like a reflex.
I often use partner or mate and I'm in a hetero relationship.
LOL the only time I hear a SO referred to as Partner is When someone else is talking about a same-sex couple in a committed relationship. It was more like "Sharon's Partner" and I would think her "wife". But yea, I dont like SO or Partner as an introduction for my bf. it's too formal
What is this trend with using "SO" when you mean boyfriend/girlfriend, or husband/wife? I think THAT, is ridiculous. Next thing you know girls are going to start calling their boyfriend "OH" (other half) or "BH" (better half). Just call it what it is! Stop trying to be so damn trendy.