What does “partner” mean

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would assume they're not married (long term bf/gf) or are a gay couple.

Me too. Maybe the wedding wasn't legal? But I agree it's a little weird if they are married.

Though our friends who are long term partners (not married, but have two kids and a house so might as well be) I usually just refer to as husband and wife to other people. Just easier than getting into specifics.

[Anonymous]

In New Zealand we say partner when you’re in a long term/ living together relationship, but aren’t married.

Personally I hate the term, which is why I got married, so I could call my “partner” my wife.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe he's a cowboy, and he's actually saying "Pardner"?

I like this interpretation best!

[Anonymous]

OP, it's a clear sign you should avoid the person as much as humanly possible LOL

[Anonymous]

I read OP's post. I am in a committed serious relationship, but I will never sign a marriage contract again and neither will my partner. BF/GF does not reflect our commitment, especially because I have a daughter. I call him partner and I am a woman, but I will admit I tend to get the fact that he is a man in there too so people don't think I am gay. I work in conservative circles where I would be judged.

[Anonymous]

Some women prefer the use of partner over wife. It makes them feel equal. I feel equal anyway, but maybe they need a little extra confirmation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some women prefer the use of partner over wife. It makes them feel equal. I feel equal anyway, but maybe they need a little extra confirmation?

Partner doesn't have the cultural baggage/history that the word wife does.

[Anonymous]

My married Canadian friends use this to refer to their spouses, I've noticed.

[Anonymous]

If nothing else, it means he's a liberal.

[Anonymous]

I simply called her She Who Must Be Obeyed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My married Canadian friends use this to refer to their spouses, I've noticed.

Interesting - I am Canadian, and partner is very commonly used, but usually for people who aren't legally married. Trying to think if the married people I know ever use it now.

One woman I know started calling someone her partner within a month of meeting a guy, which to me is ridiculous. What exactly are you partners in? Partners in casually dating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My married Canadian friends use this to refer to their spouses, I've noticed.

I’m Canadian and this is our case.

He is my partner, in every sense of the word.

I guess I don’t feel the need ton”stake my claim” by specifying he is my husband. We know many common law partners. That have had their relationships outlive traditionally married ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would assume they're not married (long term bf/gf) or are a gay couple.

I would assume this but I'd also try to use the word PARTNER when describing one's spouse so all those silly wife, husband stereotypes from the olden days aren't visualized.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some women prefer the use of partner over wife. It makes them feel equal. I feel equal anyway, but maybe they need a little extra confirmation?

Partner doesn't have the cultural baggage/history that the word wife does.

agree.

[Anonymous]

It means he's confused like many of the posters replying but thinks he's intelligent and enlightened.