Why do people think less of a couple who aren't married?

Slinky

But partner is a confusing term also, seeing that it can be mistaken for business partner.

'Girlfriend/boyfriend' seems odd past your 20s.

'Other half' can seem a bit twee.

'Significant other' seems to cover it.

Slinky

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

Yes I know, we've been over that already.

Sorry, I haven't ploughed through all 9 pages............

Georgiegirl256

Slinky wrote: »

But partner is a confusing term also, seeing that it can be mistaken for business partner.

'Girlfriend/boyfriend' seems odd past your 20s.

'Other half' can seem a bit twee.

'Significant other' seems to cover it.

Significant other always reminds me of Del Boy describing Raquel, and the glare he got off her afterwards! :rotfl:

Georgiegirl256

Slinky wrote: »

Sorry, I haven't ploughed through all 9 pages............

Don't blame you tbh! :rotfl:

missbiggles1

onlyroz wrote: »

I've checked my company's compassionate leave policy and it just says "Family members will include parent, partner, child,sibling, parent-in-law or grandparent."

But does it define partner? It might just mean those in same sex civil partnerships.

Buzzybee90

missbiggles1 wrote: »

But does it define partner? It might just mean those in same sex civil partnerships.

Of course it doesn't, mine says spouse or partner, Roz's has obviously used partner to cover all. No sane person would ask someone who had just lost their other half to work.

System

Who cares what other people think. If your happy together not being married then stuff the rest.

onlyroz

missbiggles1 wrote: »

But does it define partner? It might just mean those in same sex civil partnerships.

I assume that because "Spouse" is not listed then "Partner" encompasses everything from a spouse to a long-term live-in partner.

I also know on my pension form I can nominate somebody but I assume that if I don't the default position would be that my husband would get it.

pickledonionspaceraider

To be honest, I don't really understand the need for the question.

If folk are happy and confident in their life choices - then other peoples opinion should not matter a jot

Being judgemental is one of the uglier characteristics of humans - but not living your own life how you want, for fear of being judged - is worse

gayleygoo

OH and I have been together for over 10 years. We have 3 children are happy and committed to each other.

I fail to see how getting married would make us any more committed to doing our best for our family. Married couples have the same relationship problems that unmarried couples do. My aunt, nearing her 60's, recently tied the knot with her boyfriend of many years simply because it was legally easier than not doing it, but still disagreed with any idea that it was "better" for their relationship.

The husband/wife thing is awkward for me though. Among friends and family, OH and I are husband and wife. To say "My husband..." to a stranger seems like a lie. But I'm not that thrilled with the terms "partner" or "boyfriend"either. "Spouse" is a word used on forms, not in conversation.

I'd like to get married, for my own personal reasons, but not because anyone thinks we should. If anyone thinks less of our family for us being unmarried, then they are not people we need in our lives!