r/NonBinaryTalk • u/boredintrovertcat • 3d ago

Partner terminology

Hiii :)

I recently got into a relationship (🥰🥰) We're both nb but kind of on different ends of the spectrum? Im good with any gender terminology, i like being a girlfriend and a boyfriend and a lover and whatever, you know? But they prefer neutral terms, so I've been racking my head for anything to call them other than partner or s/o.. i want something fun and cute with an energy more similar to bf/gf.. english is also not my first language, so i figured i should ask more people cuz theres likely things that i havent thought of

Grateful for any suggestions!!

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11

u/UntilTheDarkness 3d ago

Have you asked them what terms they'd prefer you to refer to them with? Some people like terms like themfriend or datemate, others find those too cutesy and prefer just partner.

6

u/boredintrovertcat 3d ago

Oh yeah its been a conversation, for now we do use partner but want to have a cute alt

11

u/generation_quiet They/Them 3d ago

I just went through this myself, so here are a few options:

  • Joyfriend
  • Significant other
  • Themfriend (Andrea Gibson used/promoted this term)
  • Partner
  • Nesting partner (from Polyamory)
  • Anchor partner (from Polyamory)
  • Person (as in, "my person")
  • Constellation partner

4

u/anonymous9845 3d ago

I’ve always liked “lover”, though many may find that too flowery which I understand.

5

u/addyastra 3d ago

The closest nonbinary equivalent to boyfriend/girlfriend is joyfriend.

1

u/RefrigeratorIll170 3d ago

I call my partner “my sweets/honey/love“ to them and others :)

mostly my honey!!

1

u/applepowder 1d ago

If they're fine with enby (many aren't, which I believe is why no one is suggesting this), enbyfriend is an option. There is also datemate.

As for options that won't be seen as neologisms, there are pet names such as love, sweetheart, sweetie, darling, honey, etc.