Things That I'm Sick To Death of Hearing...

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy

The whole "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" introductions coming from grown couples in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even in their 50s. It's just silly, to me.

I always think this sounds weird too, but we don't have good words for romantic partners. What do you use instead?

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I always think this sounds weird too, but we don't have good words for romantic partners.

The word "friend" is always a "good word" for anyone you consider to be your partner. Your friends are your friends because you agree and share similar values with one another. Your significant other is not only your friend, but should be considered your best friend because you agree and share similar values with one another, but on a higher level. As a result, (unless you are married) he should be introduced as your friend, and he should also be introducing you as his friend.

Originally Posted by AGDee

What do you use instead?

"This is my friend".....




ETA: the last time I referred to someone as my "girlfriend" was when I was a Junior in high school.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy

The word "friend" is always a "good word" for anyone you consider to be your partner. Your friends are your friends because you agree and share similar values with one another. Your significant other is not only your friend, but should be considered your best friend because you agree and share similar values with one another, but on a higher level. As a result, (unless you are married) he should be introduced as your friend, and he should also be introducing you as his friend.


"This is my friend".....




ETA: the last time I referred to someone as my "girlfriend" was when I was a Junior in high school.

I think "friend" doesn't accurately describe the importance of the person. There are hundreds of people I would introduce as a friend, but *that* person has a higher place. There should be a word that doesn't sound juvenile.

[GeorgiaGreek]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I think "friend" doesn't accurately describe the importance of the person. There are hundreds of people I would introduce as a friend, but *that* person has a higher place. There should be a word that doesn't sound juvenile.

I think saying "This is {NAME}" would be the best way to introduce a significant other you aren't engaged or married to. People can usually figure out by body language what the situation is (unless the couple is very anti-PDA, no-touchy-in-public) and if you don't say the word "friend," people may be less likely to think it's platonic.

[HQWest]

Roll F*$&'n Tide!

OK, we get it. The Tide are big.
Can we at least try to be classy or family friendly?

[KSUViolet06]

"Go BUCKS!" and "O-H-I-O!" from people who didn't/don't actually attend Ohio State.

And really, Kent peeps, OSU is full of fail this year, while the school you actually GO to is headed for a bowl game and a top 25 team. Go Bucks, indeed.

[groovypq]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

"Go BUCKS!" and "O-H-I-O!" from people who didn't/don't actually attend Ohio State.

And really, Kent peeps, OSU is full of fail this year, while the school you actually GO to is headed for a bowl game and a top 25 team. Go Bucks, indeed.

I am JUST like this, except about Penn State. (No offense, Penn Staters.) If I see one more person from my school wax poetic about Penn State, I will punch them. Especially when they refer to Penn State as "their" team. I want to whack them with their Susquehanna diploma...

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

"Go BUCKS!" and "O-H-I-O!" from people who didn't/don't actually attend Ohio State.

I don't know why but I cannot stand people who root for a school that is not their alma mater. I don't care if that makes me sound snobby. If you wanted to root for ABC school, you should have gone there.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I think "friend" doesn't accurately describe the importance of the person. There are hundreds of people I would introduce as a friend, but *that* person has a higher place. There should be a word that doesn't sound juvenile.

How about "and this is my very dear friend, So & So"?

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I think "friend" doesn't accurately describe the importance of the person. There are hundreds of people I would introduce as a friend, but *that* person has a higher place. There should be a word that doesn't sound juvenile.

Right, that's why you have to do what works for you.

I just like the term "friend", because to me, a strong romantic relationship is built on a solid foundation of the mutual respect, appreciation, and camaraderie of friendship. When I find myself attracted to a woman, I make building a deeper friendship my first priority. For me, in the beginning, I just think it's important to focus on developing a closer friendship with a potential partner before introducing romance. I'm speaking of a romantic relationship where its values are shaped by Scripture and a God-centered view of romance. Your actions should "accurately describe the importance of the other person", not the word.

I respect your opinion, and I think the bottom line is to not allow our differences over words to distract us from what really matters in a healthy relationship."Friend" vs. "girlfriend"/"boyfriend" isn't really the point (I just don't like it). The terms we use to describe our relationships with our significant others are meaningless by themselves. I think it just comes down to the way the two of you live, love, honor, and serve one another. To me, that's what really matters. But, whatever term the two of you choose to describe your relationship to others, just make sure that "term" is centered on that. It's also not about what others outside of your relationship "think", it's about what you and your significant other know.

But, back to the orginal topic of the thread. I'm still not going to be referred to as a "boyfriend", and grown as hell. And I'm definitely not going to introduce a grown woman in my life as a "girlfriend". That's silly LOL.

But, whatever floats your boat.

[honeychile]

How did I forget how much I truly, truly hate the phrase, "turkey with all of the trimmings"? I always picture a turkey dressed as a Christmas tree!

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy

I'm speaking of a romantic relationship where its values are shaped by Scripture and a God-centered view of romance. Your actions should "accurately describe the importance of the other person", not the word.

I don't know how I missed this post, but you win at life.



eta: even Brad Pitt likes what you've posted...

[MysticCat]

"Enjoy," as in "Enjoy Free Shipping if You Order Today!"



I appreciate the free shipping and am glad to save the money, but "enjoy"?

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

eta: even Brad Pitt likes what you've posted...

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

--surface stuff, words, pet names, etc. that has nothing to do with the man himself falls by the wayside, for me.

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

I don't see how the use of boyfriend or girlfriend could be a "pet name".

I don't either.

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

I just think using "friend" is too ambiguous in these modern times.

Then don't use it. If you and the woman in your life are comfortable referring to each other as "boyfriend" and "girlfriend", then by all means, practice what the two of you agree on, and work on the small things you don't. I just think that couples who operate on the same wavelength maintain a consistent balance that increases productivity and the overall satisfaction with life and longevity in the relationship. It simply takes too much energy to try to get along with someone you don't agree with. This is why agreement is important.

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

Adult male/female platonic friendships are much more common today then say, 30-40 years ago where you could introduce someone as your "lady friend" and people could read between the lines.

What "people" have said about relationships "30-40 years ago", what is now socially acceptable today, and what "people" will change it to "30-40 years" from now, or whether they're able to "read between the lines" or not really isn't important, to me.

But like I always say, "to each its own".