what happened to "spouse" that got replaced with "partner"?

[Anonymous]

when did this become a thing? I understand LBGQT+ but why are straight people calling their bf, gf or spouse as a "Partner"? I find it odd.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s to help normalize using partner. It’s a more inclusive term.

I am straight but I use partner sometime because I feel dumb saying boyfriend at age 44.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a thing for couples where they feel like their relationship is long-term but they aren't married/don't plan to get married for whatever reason and boyfriend/girlfriend can feel too trivial.

I know many straight-passing couples where one partner is actually non-binary or bisexual and prefers using a non-gendered term for their significant other.

I know at least one person who loves the term because it's totally ambiguous and she enjoys the ambiguity of whether her partner is a romantic partner, business partner, or like costar in a buddy cop film.

[Anonymous]

BF/GF sounds juvenile past age 35 or so.

[Anonymous]

My partner and I never got married.

[Anonymous]

LGB can use spouse now, also, since they can marry. I think partner means “we aren’t legally married but we conduct our lives as if we are married and would like you to treat us that way.”

[Anonymous]

It's a ridiculous word to describe a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship; yet another attempt by infantilized progressives to rewrite the language to their own self-serving means.

Whenever someone uses that term, I ask how long they've been working together.

[Anonymous]

Just following the lead of those trendsetting Canadians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BF/GF sounds juvenile past age 35 or so.

What's wrong with Significant Other?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LGB can use spouse now, also, since they can marry. I think partner means “we aren’t legally married but we conduct our lives as if we are married and would like you to treat us that way.”

So why aren't you married? If you want to be "treated that way," do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a ridiculous word to describe a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship; yet another attempt by infantilized progressives to rewrite the language to their own self-serving means.

Whenever someone uses that term, I ask how long they've been working together.

Wow, you're soooo witty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BF/GF sounds juvenile past age 35 or so.

What's wrong with Significant Other?

Too many syllables.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BF/GF sounds juvenile past age 35 or so.

What's wrong with Significant Other?

My favorite, because you don't have to share anything with anybody, they can make their own assumptions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LGB can use spouse now, also, since they can marry. I think partner means “we aren’t legally married but we conduct our lives as if we are married and would like you to treat us that way.”

So why aren't you married? If you want to be "treated that way," do it.

Kids, finances, cultural expectations, lack of interest, etc. There are so many options why long-term romantic partners may not want to marry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a ridiculous word to describe a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship; yet another attempt by infantilized progressives to rewrite the language to their own self-serving means.

Whenever someone uses that term, I ask how long they've been working together.

At least you out yourself as being uneducated. It’s best others know quickly. FYI, Partner has been the norm to be used for adults in countries like the UK and Australia forever.