https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:59:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-755539 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:33:55 +0000 Laurinda 755539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, glad to bring back some memories (or add some new ones). I can still hear Osgood's voice reading that. </p> <p>My dad nicknamed my then-fiance his "fizzle" for Future Son-In-Law. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-753033 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 13:18:25 +0000 Mo 753033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't . . . and I did remember the 1980 census. I love the poem, and just might start using the term to totally confused reactions! I already refer to Scott's mom as WBMIL (would be mother in law). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-752525 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:34:59 +0000 MsMary 752525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laurinda, I totally remember that! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-752235 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:55:28 +0000 Laurinda 752235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anyone remember POSSLQ, a ca. 1980 Census Bureau term for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters" ?</p> <p> " Come live with me and be my love,<br /> And we will some new pleasures prove<br /> Of golden sands and crystal brooks<br /> With silken lines, and silver hooks.<br /> There's nothing that I wouldn't do<br /> If you would be my POSSLQ.</p> <p> You live with me, and I with you,<br /> And you will be my POSSLQ.<br /> I'll be your friend and so much more;<br /> That's what a POSSLQ is for.</p> <p> And everything we will confess;<br /> Yes, even to the IRS.<br /> Some day on what we both may earn,<br /> Perhaps we'll file a joint return.<br /> You'll share my pad, my taxes, joint;<br /> You'll share my life - up to a point!<br /> And that you'll be so glad to do,<br /> Because you'll be my POSSLQ" </p> <p>by Charles Osgood<br /> <a href="http://2000clicks.com/graeme/LangPoetryFunnyPOSSLQ.htm" rel="nofollow">http://2000clicks.com/graeme/L.....POSSLQ.htm</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-751153 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:48:35 +0000 MsMary 751153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was discussing this topic with a group at work yesterday, and one of the ladies said, "I'm gonna call him my BOYFRIEND until he is MAN enough to marry me!" I thought that was pretty funny even though obviously a lot of people including Mo disagree! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-750942 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:08:37 +0000 Deborah 750942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In Australia, the term "partner" is used extensively. Married and unmarried, bay and straight all use this term. I think it's a suitable alternative to boyfriend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-745889 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:49:00 +0000 Jonesy 745889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun thread! Has anyone suggested "my fella"? :)</p> <p>Whenever anyone uses "my lover" I think of that SNL skit with Rachel Dratch and Will Ferrell (with fake beard), where they are seated by a fire, her on his lap, and going on and on about being each others' lovers. Hilarious skit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-744641 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:01:17 +0000 Kristin L 744641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like saying my better half or just my guy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-744621 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:28:16 +0000 Mo 744621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, there was a time when my current SO was not allowed into the bar I worked because my previous BF was my manager at the time. Interesting few months. Usually people are 86'd for being drunk idiots or not paying or starting a fight. Not for falling in love lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-744515 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:51:07 +0000 rachylou 744515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How do you file a joint tax return if you're not legally married?</p> <p>My friend and her husband tell a funny story of their romance. It involves the firing of another boyfriend, fast food, and him finding out he was her boyfriend when she introduced him as her boyfriend. Lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-744044 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:20:10 +0000 D'Ellen 744044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a fun read! I favor "partner"...I think of my husband and myself as being partners, and it works for non-married relationships as well. I sometimes refer to my husband as my "guy". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-744034 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:58:16 +0000 Echo 744034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Common-law marriage for the most part is a myth and is considerably harder to attain in the eyes of the law than most people think. If a person is in one of the 15/16 (soon to be 11/12) states that allows it (most states don't recognize common-law marriage regardless of the length of the relationship), even then the couple must more or less decide to be married in every other way except legally (referring to the other person as a spouse, filing joint tax returns, cohabiting, etc.). Common-law marriage is not a default anymore, and most non-married relationships do not meet the bar to attain it in the few states that allow it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend/page/2#post-744013 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:19:37 +0000 Anonymous 744013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since in most states you probably have a common law marriage in the eyes of the law, you could give your boyfriend a shock by calling him your husband. Those who refer to him as such may be calling it as they see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743994 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 23:53:15 +0000 rachylou 743994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How funny. It occurs to me that I find it a little uncomfortable to hear people say "my wife" or "my husband." I'm more used to hearing "partner" from everybody. It says something about what's expected of the people in the relationship, I think that's why they say it.</p> <p>I might mention, though, that I come from severely NPDA people (No Public Displays of Affection). So severe, my tribe avoids introducing people as spouses/partners. You figure it out by behavior and quiet questioning of third parties. Or there are briefings before events. No, really!</p> <p>When it comes to introductions, I think "other half" is very sweet. And "partner in crime" quite good for people with a little spirit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743731 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:18:46 +0000 Aziraphale 743731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Citygirldc -- my mom uses "man-friend" (I've never seen her spell it, but in my mind, it's hyphenated) and I've always thought that was quite a good one. I don't know why it has never caught on. But my mom's English, so I don't know, maybe they use it over there more so than in N. America? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743634 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:46:30 +0000 MsMary 743634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOVE THIS!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743605 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:11:02 +0000 citygirldc 743605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about "manfriend" instead of boyfriend? LOL!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743570 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:33:31 +0000 BethL 743570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in this situation, too. "Boyfriend" just doesn't cut it for me. I mean, sheesh, I'm 50 years old. I typically use SO, but I also often use "partner," but that confuses people, not that I care, about whether I'm talking a romantic vs. business relationship or whether I'm straight or gay. "Life Partner" is kind of cumbersome, and I actually had a physician give me a hard time about that one (I had written it next to my SO's name on the emergency contact sheet). He said something obnoxious about admiring my optimism. I wanted to smack him. </p> <p>It seems way too complicated for such a wonderful thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743524 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:41:59 +0000 Transcona Shannon 743524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is making me smile - love some of the terms! I would probably go with Other Half or Better Half. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-743446 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:01:53 +0000 Mander 743446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found it a bit confusing at first when I moved to the UK, because the term "partner" is very common for unmarried couples of all sexual orientations, not just homosexual couples. I would hear people saying "my partner" in general conversation and at first I thought "wow, they are so much more relaxed about being gay here!". It was only when my now-husband started referring to me as his partner that I realized it was a universal term.</p> <p>I like it's utility, though, and I think it should be used more widely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-742150 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:58:37 +0000 MsMary 742150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like "my other half." Seems nicely light but leaves little to no room for misinterpretation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-742116 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 21:34:40 +0000 Anonymous 742116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about "my sweetie"? Better than "my ball and chain"! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-742101 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 21:13:26 +0000 Ariadne 742101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Traci, come to think of it, I agree--sometimes when I hear someone I don't know well refer to their partner, I don't know if they mean it a business sense or a romantic sense! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-742055 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:37:51 +0000 RoseandJoan 742055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Other Half is used frequently in Britain.</p> <p>Cockney slang - Frying Pan = Old Man, Jam Tart = Sweetheart, Pot &amp; Pan = Man, Rob Roy = Boy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-742048 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:26:12 +0000 Sylvie 742048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use sigoth (for significant other). However, I would prefer to introduce my husband as my partner, because I think it should be the same term regardless of whether I happen to be married to a man or a woman. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-741749 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:14:51 +0000 Louise 741749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie I'm not keen on fiancé either! While we are engaged we aren't getting married anytime soon. I just see it as being a further step up the commitment ladder x</p> <p>Companion makes me think of little old lady's! My auntie has a companion, they live together with separate bedrooms and no funny business they are just friends. But living together makes them closer than friends but not as close as being 'together' hence companion x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-741715 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:31:46 +0000 Traci 741715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think partner makes sense, but I must admit that when I'm meeting someone new and they refer to their partner, I'm never sure if they are speaking of a business partner or a life partner.</p> <p>Irene's comment on the spanish for partner leads me to "companion". I think I like the sound of that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-741687 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:58:00 +0000 Janet 741687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know someone who started using "sigot" as an abbreviation for significant other, kind of as a joke, but now they still use it. Requires some explanation but gets a grin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-741652 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:04:01 +0000 Irene 741652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I would say partner. It is true that the Spanish word for partner makes a difference in gender (compañero/compañera), which quickly erases any second thoughts on sexual orientation. But I do like the sense that a partner is someone you share your life with, that you go together because your are partners 'in life'. Boyfriend sounds more like some friend you flirt and have sex with, somehow? lol Way more juvenile.</p> <p>I also like 'my man', it has strength and IS sexy </p> <p>'Lover' would have different connotations, at least in my language, and would probably mean that at least one of you has a commited relationship with someone else and is cheating. </p> <p>SO is cute, we don't have that in Spanish. Do you pronounce 'so' or 'significant other'?</p> <p>Spanish has a direct synonim for 'wife' (esposa), which is 'mujer' (woman) and can actually apply to non married women. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/different-grown-up-term-for-boyfriend#post-741536 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 02:54:09 +0000 Ariadne 741536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am cracking up at the thought of you referring to your guy as "my man" or "my lover" or "my paramour". I vote you rotate through a long list of amusing synonyms just to keep everyone on their toes! </p> <p>A lot of people I know use "partner" regardless of their sexual orientation. I sometimes refer to DH as my partner even though we're married. It wouldn't bother me if people thought I was in a same sex relationship, though. I know a few other married couples who do the same, as well as people in common-law or other forms of committed relationships. Maybe it's regional? I sometimes hear "significant other" as well. I do have friends in their 50s and 60s who say "boyfriend" and "girlfriend"! I think it's endearing and kind of lovely.</p> <p>ETA: LOLing at "my roommate" in particular! </p>