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.

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.

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".

How do you file a joint tax return if you're not legally married?

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.

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.

I like saying my better half or just my guy.

Fun thread! Has anyone suggested "my fella"?

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.

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.

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!

Anyone remember POSSLQ, a ca. 1980 Census Bureau term for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters" ?

" Come live with me and be my love,
And we will some new pleasures prove
Of golden sands and crystal brooks
With silken lines, and silver hooks.
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.

And everything we will confess;
Yes, even to the IRS.
Some day on what we both may earn,
Perhaps we'll file a joint return.
You'll share my pad, my taxes, joint;
You'll share my life - up to a point!
And that you'll be so glad to do,
Because you'll be my POSSLQ"

by Charles Osgood
http://2000clicks.com/graeme/L.....POSSLQ.htm

Laurinda, I totally remember that! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!!

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).

LOL, glad to bring back some memories (or add some new ones). I can still hear Osgood's voice reading that.

My dad nicknamed my then-fiance his "fizzle" for Future Son-In-Law.