Factually, this is, indeed, totally accurate. D and I met over a year ago, and have been together ever since. We are "dating", I am reliably informed. We do not live together, however we are looking at possibly addressing that at some point in the future, if only he lived in an area that had better high schools, grumble, grumble. But that's another issue.
I was on Twitter a little while ago and made reference to D as my 'boyfriend', however my fingers nearly refused to type the word, as it reeks of high school, giggling and airy-fairy 1960's pop songs. We are both in our 40's (although, obviously, he's been there MUCH longer than I have and is much better at it all round) and the use of the terms 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend' sound wildly inappropriate to my aging ears. I mean, I have grey hair, damnit, I'm way too old to have a 'boyfriend', aren't I?
But what alternatives are there? The preferred modern term seems to be 'partner', but I always associate that with couples who are actually cohabitating, not ones living separately and seeing each other whenever family and work commitments permit.
Significant Other, Better Half, Other Half. How wanky are those? Oh, but yes, I've used them all at one time or another in a desperate effort to avoid use of the boyfriend word.
And why is it that it sounds ok when he refers to me as his girlfriend, but it sounds absurd for me to call him my boyfriend? Perhaps it's because I still consider myself a giggly teenager and am happy to wear the expression, who knows?
I think 'partner' is probably most accurate. It's a bit sterile and generic, though. I think 'partner in crime' is much more exciting (if somewhat inaccurate), or 'managing partner' or 'partners in pissups'?
None are quite right, though. Perhaps this is all just divine retribution for failing at the hallowed institute of marriage and finding myself in this position in the first place.
STxxx
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4 comments:
I have never been comfortable when introducing someone as "my boyfriend" even when I was young and it was probably the most appropriate term. I used to introduce now hubby in as bubbly a voice as possible as "This is my Joe (his name)" corny I know - but i used it right up until I was married. People were too afraid to ask any of the questions that you often don't want to be asked at the time (is it serious, are you getting married, is he a member of the mob etc)
I know what you mean, I was also hesitant about "boyfriend" when I was much younger as well, which is probably why it's disturbing me so much now!!
Have discussed problem with D, and he now prefers to be referred to as "Your Highness".
I don't like 'partner' for some reason! I never have. Sounds too formal - like a business arrangement. It's quite a problem now that Eco-Chic-Daddy and I are parents, and I'm still referring to him as my boyfriend, my Mum hates it!
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