After a certain age, does being referred as boyfriend and girlfriend sound childish?

[Anonymous]

Since I'm 26, there is a bit of time for me in the dating world. Off course I don't want to be dating forever.

I would feel weird and childish to be presented as someone's girlfriend past my 30's by then. It just doesn't seem right. I would be older by then and would be looking for something for more serious than just going to the movies, exchanging ''I love you, miss you, the moon and the stars, etc'' words, holding hands, etc. That sounds more for people in HS or in their early to mid 20's.

After a certain age, doesn't that get too old by then? I would definitely feel weird being called a girlfriend at age 40 for instance.

[Chris42001]

Tough to say because some people dislike being called "My wife" too after a while.

They feel that marriage has a certain mundane responsibility to it and being Boyfriend/Girlfriend sounds like love to them with the freedom to leave, but they want to be together.

I guess it's up to the individual, but either is probably better than being introduced as his Friend with Benefits I imagine.

[Asker]

To be just being referred as a girlfriend if I've been in a relationship for 4+ years sounds like someone that just wants to have a temporarily partner and wants to be forever with the romantic honeymoon phase but no actually responsibilities and actually security, as in wanting to grow old with that person. I guess if you've been together for so long, ''my partner or sweetheart'' sounds better.

[Chris42001]

Yeah, I was married once upon a time.
I didn't care what her title was because I loved her a week after I met her and didn't want anyone else.
I called her "Honey and Sweetie" most of the time, but I understand that being married is a cool experience and having a little family to come home was amazing while it lasted. I hope the best for you.

[Anonymous]

If it's not boyfriend or girlfriend, what do you suggest you refer yourself as?

[Asker]

a partner

[Opinion Owner]

Fair enough, I think of a partner when they are married

[Anonymous]

I don't see it as childish. What else will you call it since you aren't married or engaged.

[Asker]

I hate it. It makes me think I'm just a temporarily partner you have care and have a great time with but not a higher level. I would like someone to grow old with, a life partner, not just a boyfriend.

[Opinion Owner]

Being called boyfriend and girlfriend does not in anyway come across as you being there temporarily. If anything being called those things can mean there is something serious between you.

I think you are the only person who I have come across who has an issue with this title.

You can't call each other life partners, especially if the relationship is new.
You also can't call each other fiance if you aren't engaged and you also can't use the title husband and wife if you aren't married. So what other title would you use?

[Asker]

I guess if the relationship is new, then ok. But if they've already been in that relationship for 4+, then it sounds cheap to just be their girlfriend and boyfriend. I guess partner would sound better.

[Opinion Owner]

I still don't see an issue with it. At the end of the day unless you are married or engaged boyfriend and girlfriend Is exactly what you are regardless of how long you have been together.

[sirderpsalot123]

No... If you aren't married or engaged, that's just what you are... a girlfriend.

[abc3643]

Not really.
Even people my age still say that.