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What do you think of using the word "partner" instead of boyfriend or girlfriend?
I've heard the argument made for normalizing the term that everybody can use, regardless of orientation. What do you think?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Margaret C on -
I think folks worry too much about terminology as it is. Your relationship is your relationship and people should be able to use whichever label they want, from gendered language to non-gendered language and everything in between.
We put far too much focus on what parts are (theoretically) going in which orifice and what we're going to call it instead of just letting folks be.
Please don't misunderstand me, the power of language when it comes to this sort of thing is massive, but mainly because we made it that way. You know?
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Permalink Reply by melody joy welton on -
here! here!
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Permalink Reply by filleosophy on -
I prefer to use "significant other" just because partner makes me think of a law firm or business venture. If other people want to use "partner" though, then sure. That's not really my business.
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Permalink Reply by Robert Fitzsimmons on -
Yes, if I had a business partner I'd refer to them as my 'business partner'. But if I referred to a bf/gf as 'sexual/romantic/life partner' I'd probably get laughed at.
Partner is very generic and is only really associated with homosexuals. It does raise an eyebrow when people talk about 'my partner' when it is an opposite gender partner, just doesn't sound right.
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Permalink Reply by Allison on -
I had a few professors in university who would refer to their girlfriends and wives (they would say "she" so I knew they weren't gay) as their partners. I think in the world of academia it just sounds more professional. I agree that it does immediately make me think of homosexual relationships - but it's not strictly for that. It's just inclusive language and maybe eventually it will sound right for everyone.
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Permalink Reply by leilani on -
I did not realize it was used more in academia, but that makes sense, because I was going to say that in most of my circles, the word "partner" is used quite frequently and I don't infer it to mean people are homosexual... thanks for clearing up :)
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly on -
I definitely just say "boyfriend". In fact, that's what I call my boyfriend to everyone, even him. Example: "Hey boyfriend.. come here!" But that's just me. :)
When in comes to the general use of the word, I don't really care what other people call their loves.
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Permalink Reply by Erin McCarthy on -
I use partner.
Sure, it makes us sound gay--but we don't care!
On some level, it's solidarity, on another it describes us.
My students asked me once why do you call him a partner?
I asked them to think about their partners and what they do for each other. They said things like, my partner helps me..... shows me how to do right....is my friend....keep me in line (Granted, they meant that last one a little less figuratively than non-six-year-olds will understand it but the outcome is the same. Partner is the one you walk beside. Its like being on a team for two.
Look, if s/he is your bf/gf then cool. My lovah is my partner and always will be
:)
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Permalink Reply by Oats on -
I don't like partner. Not even for same-sex couples, though when someone says "my partner" it is just assumed they are talking about a same-sex relationship.
Partner should be kept in business. Or when working with groups.
I like Significant Other, or SO. Its applicable for boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/life 'partner'. And there's no orientation attached.
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Permalink Reply by Erin McCarthy on
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Partners are for bed, too!
.....sexually..
Srrsly
Calling someone my SO would tote make me vom.
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