the_raven

Like i said, there's this new tendency nowadays to call spouces 'partners' in order to avoid offending sexual minorities. But what's interesting, is that straight couples don't colloquilally use the term 'partner' when referring to each other, but in the media the term is used quite heavily, so in a way, it's becoming representative of same-sex couples

I've never seen that to be the case. Partner is used in any orientation quite regularly. Especially for non-marital relationships.

Strange. Maybe it's different between countries. I actually was once talking to a girl, and spoke about my partner, that is dance partner, but she thought i was refering to an ex and even found it rude on my behalf. Eh, moving on then.