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

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 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 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 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?

I simply called her She Who Must Be Obeyed.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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

I like this interpretation best!

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 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.