Twitter Thread Sparks Debate About Straight People Using the Term 'Partner'

Getting old is weird. There are so many lovely things to enjoy as your body ages. Bones aching. Parts sagging. The brain fog. The hangovers. All of these delightful physical changes are well-documented, and well-hated. But there are other aspects of growing older that are a bit more complex. How do we spend our time when most of our friends are off popping out babies and buying their second homes? When do I really need that coloscopy? More perplexing - can I call my boyfriend my boyfriend when I'm pushing forty? It does start to feel infantile. But can I say ‘partner’ without it sounding cringey? This incredibly specific dilemma was recently addressed by Twitter user @AlisonAgosti, who is looking for some kind of alternative.

In the tweet, Agosti acknowledges the potential cringe of referring to a heterosexual partner as, well, partner. But simply cannot think of a viable alternative. The thing is, not everyone thinks it's a cringey route. It's a term that's long been used by the LGBTQ community, but it seems not everyone thinks it needs to be gatekept. 

The above user, @boymeetsworm, points out the term's universally positive connotations: equality and accessibility. 

@JoseyHill, instead, highlights its comical and convenient ambiguity.

On a more serious note, @dykerules points out that normalizing the term for everyone would actually be helpful for gay people.

Not everyone is as enthusiastic about using the word “partner” to describe a significant other. For example, @jsmashmore feels it has too many meanings. That might speak more to their logic and deduction skills.

Some of our favorite responses to the viral tweet come in the form of humor. 

Jokes aside, it seems like most people have zero issue with the straights (including my old self) using “partner.” Which is a relief, because I really didn't need another thing to worry about where my personal life is concerned. 

The people have spoken.