Domestic partners are two people in a long-term relationship that live together or share a common domestic life. This relationship can be one of a personal or legal nature. A domestic partnership is different than a common-law situation or marriage and does not come with as many legal restraints or obligations. Domestic partners can be of any sexual orientation and of any age over majority.
Domestic partners are sometimes casually referred to as just “partners”. Sometimes it is a social stance on the gender-specific terms like “boyfriend” and “girlfriend”. A partner does not define what gender the person is. This means you never know if someone is gay or not if they use the word “partner”. It’s something to keep you guessing for that note of mystery when meeting someone.
People can also use this term to sound older and more mature. At the age of 45, who wants to say, “that’s my girlfriend over there with the bbq sauce on her face”? Saying “that’s my (domestic) partner over there with the bbq sauce on her face” certainly has the air of maturity and pretentiousness that they seek in their mid-40s.
Domestic partners was originally used by homosexuals in the age of non-acceptance (ok, still today). It obviously hides the fact that you’re batting for the opposing team. The term is used when speaking to your boss: “Oh I’m sorry my partner and I can’t come for dinner Friday night.” This gives the subtle hint that you could be gay but leaves a bit of awkwardness – and the upper hand.
1. My domestic partner and I are applying for joint custody of our dog Beula.
2. Sherry and Terri are domestic partners who share a house but not a dildo.
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