Is this good or bad?

[Anonymous]

I moved in with my boyfriend around a year ago and have been together for a total of a year and seven months and my question is, is it good or bad that his mom introduces me to family as his significant other and not his girlfriend?

[Oliverlogan263]

Eh, I don't know. Like on one hand, "significant other" sounds kinda fancy and official right? Like maybe she's just trying to make it clear that you're more than just some fling. But at the same time, after over a year together I'd probably want my girl to be introduced as my girlfriend, not just my "significant other." That almost makes it sound like you're just roommates or something. I'd be kinda weirded out if my mom wasn't saying she's my girlfriend at this point.

I guess it could go either way though. Maybe ask your boyfriend how he feels about it. If he's cool with it then don't stress, but if he thinks it's odd too then you guys might wanna have a chat with his mom and be like "hey, we're serious, can you call her my girlfriend now?" After this long together I'd want that title, ya know? But don't sweat it too much if it's not a big deal to him.

[slatyb]

"Significant other" is more permanent than girlfriend.

[earearear]

She probably just likes the sound of “significant other” more. They mean the same thing, but it’s likely “significant other” has more value to her than just “girlfriend.” It’s not something to be worried about at all. I’d be worried if she introduced you as his “fling” or “current boo” because those are impermanent, but “significant other has permanence.

[HollyK21]

Did she call you his s/o or wife? Fiancé? Significant other can refer to more than marriage, I wouldn’t consider it bad.

[jake2988]

No, girlfriend is a significant other. I think it's fine.