What to call your (non-married, but live-in) "Significant Other"?

[Jaya]

We're both in our mid-60's, and I think "boyfriend" sounds a little high-schoolish. "Gentleman Friend" is too Victorian. "Partner", outside of a few states, I think implies a same-sex relationship. "Companion" sounds like one of us hired the other one. "Significant Other" has been done to death. The US Census used to refer to us as POSSLQ's (Persons of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters) but, jeez, that's too hard to say....I mean, can you imagine introducing him as "and this is Harvey, the Person of the Opposite Sex who Shares my Living Quarters"? (at my age I'd be out of breath before I finished...) "Fiance" implies that we're going to get married, which we aren't (no kids to legitimize at our age and too many financial reasons not to). "The Guy I'm Shacking up With" embarrasses my 90-year-old mother, as does "My Partner in Sin". I've been calling him my "Spousal Equivalent" but people look at me like I'm weird (which I AM, but they act like that's a BAD thing to be....)

So, what's a girl....oops.....what's a female person of certain age to do? Any suggestions?

 

[aaarcher86]

We're both in our mid-60's, and I think "boyfriend" sounds a little high-schoolish. "Gentleman Friend" is too Victorian. "Partner", outside of a few states, I think implies a same-sex relationship. "Companion" sounds like one of us hired the other one. "Significant Other" has been done to death. The US Census used to refer to us as POSSLQ's (Persons of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters) but, jeez, that's too hard to say....I mean, can you imagine introducing him as "and this is Harvey, the Person of the Opposite Sex who Shares my Living Quarters"? (at my age I'd be out of breath before I finished...) "Fiance" implies that we're going to get married, which we aren't (no kids to legitimize at our age and too many financial reasons not to). "The Guy I'm Shacking up With" embarrasses my 90-year-old mother, as does "My Partner in Sin". I've been calling him my "Spousal Equivalent" but people look at me like I'm weird (which I AM, but they act like that's a BAD thing to be....)

So, what's a girl....oops.....what's a female person of certain age to do? Any suggestions?

Manfriend?

 

[Jill in Chicago]

There is no need to explain. You say, "This is Harvey," and let them figure it out. My MIL always said, "This is Don's (DH) friend." That always cracked me up. Goodness we were dating a long time. We were more than "friends."

 

[jessic2422]

Someone I know says the "boy I like". I think it is sweet

 

[scrapquitler]

"My honey" "my sweetheart" "my love" those would all work.

 

[ebtbmom]

Lover
Consort
Boy toy

 

[aaarcher86]

Consort wins. No other suggestions necessary.

This thread may be closed now.

 

[mamacatnv]

I like your post, it was funny yet it made a good point.

Squeeze
Arm Candy
Bed Warmer
Man *****
Sweetie

I have a friend, similar situation in their mid 50's, they refer to each other as sweetie

 

[sookie]

Another vote for "man" friend.

Or just friend - and leave it at that.

 

[Jennasis]

Beau?

 

[LuLuO]

like-a-husband

 

[rszdtrvl]

My mom works with someone who refers to her live-in boyfriend as her "beloved".

Drives my mom batty.

Personally, I like "the guy I like", LOL.

There are times when I want to call DH my "baby daddy" just to see what kind of look I would get, LOL.

 

[Jaya]

I like "beau" but I'd probably feel a little too Blanche DuBois or Scarlett O'Hara-ish. I'd have to start waving a hanky around and having the vapors or saying "fiddle-dee-dee" a lot. Like-a-Husband isn't bad, though.

 

[tvguy]

Spousal equivelant is popular here.

 

[Dancind]

Depends on which state you are in, and how long this has been going on, but he might be your Husband. Common law.

 

[kaligal]

Me, I'd stick with "boyfriend." If not, I'd go with "partner." I don't think it implies same-sex, especially if he is there, lol.

I don't like spousal-equivalent. It isn't. And it sounds like you're trying to make it the same...like you're desperate to have the relationship viewed in the way a marriage is without actually marrying.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Partner makes sense. The gender of the partner is obviously if he is with your, or if you mention him by name.

Unless he look likes Pat, I suppose.

 

[MsLeFever]

"This is my Harvey" (can you see him too?) of course that only works if he is really named Harvey and maybe dressed as a big bunny.

 

[java]

Why feel the need to "title" him. Just use his name when introducing.

If you get the - Oh who is he to you question(which is rude imho) I would reply- he's the guy that floats my boat. (really I would use other not dis-friendly words)

 

[lovesmurfs]

POSSLQ!

There's nothing that I wouldn't do
If you would be my POSSLQ
You live with me and I with you,
And you will be my POSSLQ.
I'll be your friend and so much more;
That's what a POSSLQ is for.