I don't think anything happened to the word spouse. I refer to my husband as my spouse and when we dated I called him my boyfriend, but when talking about my mid-70s father and his mid-70s partner who have been together for more than 15 years w/no plans to marry, it seems childish to say "my father and his girlfriend."

Anonymous wrote:I am 47 and my boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years. I don't like the term partner. Boyfriend/girlfriend is fine.

Good example of how each couple should decide for themselves what they prefer. BF/GF is fine for you and you let people know that you prefer that and not "partner." It's when people want everyone to think just like they do about these labels, or when they refuse to use terms that others prefer for those other couples, that there are problems.

Anonymous wrote:

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

What's wrong with Significant Other?

nothing. but more wordy

I am 47 and my boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years. I don't like the term partner. Boyfriend/girlfriend is fine.

Anonymous wrote:I’m straight and say homosexual partner. 🤣

Ha! I’m straight but wear a tshirt that reads, “I’m not gay, but my partner is.”

Anonymous wrote:I can't stand the word partner. Sounds either like a country western star or a business partner.

And no, I don't think partner is more inclusive. Spouse is gender neutral. Gay marriage is legal now. I strongly believe in marriage (if you want kids) and don't think we should normalize living together unmarried with children.

I also strongly believe in marriage (which is one reason why I'm all in favor of gay marriage) but that does not mean everyone's going to get married--kids or not. There need to be terms for their relationships and they get to choose those terms for themselves. It does not undermine the institutution or marriage, or your individual marriage or mine, if they choose "partners." As for normalizing living together unmarried with children -- while I think marriage is usually the best protection for everyone involved, and the best way to show commitment, I say: Far better a healthy, unmarried, committed relationship than an unhealthy, cheating marriage.