When the Terms "Boyfriend" and "Girlfriend" just won't do

When the terms 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend' just won't do

Terminology . . . what to call your "other-half" if you are not married?

When you’re a teenager, relationships are as simple as a mutual attraction across the cafeteria. In less time than it takes to send a blast text announcing the news to friends, the two of you are boyfriend and girlfriend. But as adults, "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" sound, well, so high-schoolish - especially if you’re old enough to understand the virtues of not having to wear his class ring to announce you’re a couple.

New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee have been together for four years. She’s widely referred to in the mainstream media as his "girlfriend," but she’s also been called the "semi-First Lady" by the New York Post. There must be a better way to characterize this relationship. For Lee, Cuomo and all of the other mature couples out there who are not married, but are romantically paired, here’s a look at titles that could be used in place of "boyfriend" and "girlfriend."

MAN-FRIEND
Why we like it
It has a distinguished air about it. Just add a British accent when introducing him, and you are as close to royalty as Susan Boyle.
Watch out
The barbaric nature of the name may have him beating his chest and retreating to his action-figure-filled man cave.

WOMAN-FRIEND
Why we like it
Like "man-friend," it’s classy.
Watch out
Talk about platonic.

LOVER
Why we like it
People won’t ask questions.
Watch out
They may talk about you behind your back.

ESCORT
Why we like it
Every relationship needs a little mystique, and this title will do it.
Watch out
People may start thinking one of you is paying the other.

COMPANION
Why we like it
Sounds like a sturdy, reliable relationship - kind of like the one you have with your dog.
Watch out
Sounds like a sturdy, reliable relationship - kind of like the one you have with your dog.

PARTNER
Why we like it
It’s mature. The only time a teenager uses the term "partner" is when referring to the guy who sits across the lab table in biology.
Watch out
People could start asking the two of you about tort reform or binding contracts.

BEAU
Why we like it
The French know romance.
Watch out
Some people may think you are saying "Bo," as in Bo Diddley, and it’s unlikely your man has that kind of musical talent when it comes to rhythm and blues.

MATE
Why we like it
One of the (many) definitions of mate is "one of a matched pair." That’s not a bad comparison when we’re talking romance.
Watch out
"Aye, aye," anyone?

SPOUSAL EQUIVALENT
Why we like it
Let’s face it, that’s what many of your partner’s are.
Watch out
Why not drop POSSLQ while you’re at it? You know, the term the US Census Bureau coined in the late 1970s for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters."