So, I was having a conversation a little while ago with my lovely flatmate Buffy about what you call the person that you're dating. Obviously, it's easy if you're married. But what about before then?
She felt she was too old and grown-up to have a "boyfriend", so was looking for an alternate word. Now, I've got to be honest with you. When I hear people call their significant other their "lover", I want to vomit. I don't know why it grosses me out so much, but it does. I think it's because in my mind it brings up 1) the idea of those people having sex, which is not always pretty or 2) them saying it with a ridiculous accent "Have you met my lovvvvverrrrrrrrrr?"
But the alternatives aren't that great.
"Partner" really only works if you're gay. Otherwise, it just doesn't work for me. It sounds like you're trying too hard, you know?
And I also have a problem with people who are all "my man" about their men friends. I don't know why, but it gives me the skeeves.
Personally, I have no problem with "boyfriend", even though I would hope that the next person I date is not so much a boy.
Now that I've offended you all by being mean about the words you use to describe your special fellas and ladies (Hi! Sorry about that! Don't hate me!), I'm going to take an informal poll. Internet, this is your chance to have a say. What do you think? What's the ideal word? Or, if you've got alternates, votes in the comments please!
She felt she was too old and grown-up to have a "boyfriend", so was looking for an alternate word. Now, I've got to be honest with you. When I hear people call their significant other their "lover", I want to vomit. I don't know why it grosses me out so much, but it does. I think it's because in my mind it brings up 1) the idea of those people having sex, which is not always pretty or 2) them saying it with a ridiculous accent "Have you met my lovvvvverrrrrrrrrr?"
But the alternatives aren't that great.
"Partner" really only works if you're gay. Otherwise, it just doesn't work for me. It sounds like you're trying too hard, you know?
And I also have a problem with people who are all "my man" about their men friends. I don't know why, but it gives me the skeeves.
Personally, I have no problem with "boyfriend", even though I would hope that the next person I date is not so much a boy.
Now that I've offended you all by being mean about the words you use to describe your special fellas and ladies (Hi! Sorry about that! Don't hate me!), I'm going to take an informal poll. Internet, this is your chance to have a say. What do you think? What's the ideal word? Or, if you've got alternates, votes in the comments please!
4 comments:
I have no issues with Boyfriend/Girlfriend. I agree that "Loooovvveerrrrss" is wrong. It reminds me of that hooooorrrrriiibllleeee Sat Night Live Sketch.
One of the guys on my Wed. Night hockey crew has "LadyFriends...," and I do enjoy the Personal assistant for shopping at the Do-It Center. But I really thing that couples should just start referring to themselves in the Royal 'We' at all times, even when there is only one person there. That Wouldn't get annoying at all.
Sean
I use "other half" a lot. But that's after years, so it'd probably be a bit freaky in the initial stages of a relationship...
I was introduced once as "her friend" which was quickly corrected to boyfriend that become just as fast "Man friend" with man being emphasied! ;)
consort.
sounds almost regal, non?
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