I totally get the not liking partner thing, but I used it for Michael and me once we had been together for a while — I guess the problem was that we seemed like we were beyond boyfriend and girlfriend (for some reason this connotes less of a commitment to me — maybe that’s just my hang up), but we weren’t engaged or legally married.  And significant other just seemed a little cumbersome/clinical.  I would love alternatives if anyone knows of any that are more palatable/not appropriating.

whatsurdamage:

I get mildly annoyed when straight women call their female friends their “girlfriends” and when straight couples use the term “partner”.

It makes me feel a little invisible, not really having dedicated language to explain my relationships. In the event that I got a girlfriend, would I call her my…