Would you be bothered if your partner called you his ‘lady friend’?

[thinkprint]

My partner said to his brother (who I’ve never met) that he’s busy today because his ‘lady friend’ was over. Would this bother you?

Why does this bother you? Girlfriend is difficult if you’re mature, partner is a weird one - sounds quite committed but not committed enough to get married. It’s hard to find a word!!

Sounds like you're a back pocket girlfriend to be honest. How long have you been together? Have you had 'the talk' yet? Are you definitely sure he sees you as his partner too?

why not call her by her name 'oh Gloria's coming over' or whatever. The brother clearly doesn't even know her name

This

I don't like it very much myself as I say, but I think it's used when a man is implying that they have a relationship and yet he doesn't think "girlfriend" is appropriate. If I were dating again, I know I am far too old to be called anyone's girlfriend but I might find it kind of cute that someone is saying he feels he's in a relationship with me - if that were the case.

I would think it was hilarious if my partner referred to me as his ladyfriend because it sounds so old-fashioned. Does he also say "sheaths" and "making love"?

I certainly wouldn't be offended.

People use "partner" very lightly now (a colleague referred to meeting her 15 year old DD's "new partner" the other day - 15 year olds don't have new partners, unless they're into ballroom dancing or other partnered sports I guess, but that wasn't the context!

Lady friend does sound like an octogenarian though - was it tongue in cheek? Or is he a bit socially awkward?

I wouldn't be offended but I'd be worried he's actually a 90 year old wearing a bloody good disguise.

Just tell him you don't like it.

It absolutely does.

MN is always differentiating in terms of child versus adult when it comes to relationships.

Do you really think you're a girl when you're in your 30s?? Sure, when it's an all-women get together then it's a girls' night out but really, do you want to be called a girlfriend in your 50s?

Woman-friend just sounds crass.
FWB is a bit too brutal.

Don't know why anyone gets offended by lady-friend or do people not like being called a lady anymore? Sounds classier to me than girlfriend.