What is a synonym for "girlfriend"?


I'm in my mid 40s and dating this lady of a similar vintage. I am trying to find a good word to describe our relationship, but "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" seems inappropriate for us. It reminds me of those forty year old guys who say "I'm gittin' down wi ma hommies." It communicates, but it seems out of place.


Perhaps it is the "girl" and "boy" part that bothers me.


Any suggestions for something more appropriate?



Answer



Depending on how comfortable you are with the mixed connotations of the following suggestions:



  • lover

  • partner

  • companion

  • mistress

  • significant other


You also just refer to her by name which would probably be more polite. Depending on the context you can use the term "dating":



We are dating.


Sue and I are dating.


We went on a date.


Sue is my date.




Edit: Not that there is anything wrong with girlfriend. I understand the desire to avoid it but it has its use even amongst older couples.


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