life partners

Long-term romantic pair

Life partners are two people committed to sharing their lives together in a long-term relationship.

The term emerged as a way to describe committed couples outside traditional marriage—particularly same-sex couples before marriage equality, or couples who reject marriage as an institution.

It emphasizes the depth and permanence of the bond: They've been life partners for thirty years.

Now used broadly for any deeply committed couple, married or not.

Opposites
relationship duration and commitment

life partnersone-night stands

Casual sexual encounters, once

hookups · flings · rebound relationships · friends with benefits · booty calls

relational connection vs. solitude

life partnersstrangers

People unknown to you

loners · lone wolves · singles · exes · hermits

emotional depth and intimacy

life partnersacquaintances

People known slightly

strangers · enemies · adversaries · rivals · fair-weather friends

Family

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Familiarity
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Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G