11 Gender Neutral Ways To Say “Boyfriend” Or “Girlfriend”

In today’s world, people are trying to come up with more gender-neutral terms for common words like “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.” Since gender norms are no longer black and white, it would help you to understand a few better alternatives. This article will assist you in this field!

What Can I Say Instead Of “Boyfriend” Or “Girlfriend”?

There are plenty of great gender-neutral terms and phrases we can use. We want to refer you to the following:

• Partner
• Significant other
• Other half
• Lover
• Better half
• Companion
• Life partner
• Romantic companion
• Soulmate
• Beau
• Best friend

The preferred version is “partner.” It’s common for people to use “partner” even when they’re not worried about gender-neutral nouns. It’s more likely for older people to use “partner” over “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” because they can sound immature to the older generation.

Partner

“Partner” is the best way to refer to boyfriends and girlfriends. It works well because it shows that you’re close with someone and that you value their “partnership.” It can refer to any gender, and it always means that you’re in a relationship with them.

These examples will help you to work it out:

• This is my partner, and I would love for you to get to know him better.
• My partner will be along shortly, so I have made sure to save him this seat.
• My partner shouldn’t be too long if you don’t mind waiting for her!

Significant Other

“Significant other” is a common way for people to use gender-neutral words for boyfriends or girlfriends. It works well because it shows that they aren’t just another person in your life. Instead, they have “significance,” which shows you are romantically engaged.

While there are many “significant” people in our lives (i.e. our parents, siblings, and bosses), only our romantic partners are referred to as “significant others.” This is a common phrase we use in this regard.

It would help you to check out some of these examples to understand it:

• He is my significant other, and I love him so much.
• This is my significant other, and her name is Lily.
• I have a new significant other, and I would appreciate it if you did not judge.

Other Half

“Other half” works well to show that two people make a “whole.” We use it to show that when we are with our boyfriends or girlfriends, we feel like a complete package. It works well because it shows you have complimentary personalities.

These examples will help you to understand a little more about it:

• This is my other half, and I think you’ll find out very soon what makes us so compatible.
• This is my other half, and I would like for you to show her the respect she deserves.
• I like to call you my other half because it always feels like we have a close connection that way.

Lover

“Lover” is a somewhat cheesy word we can use to replace the originals. It works well when you want to show that you have an intimate relationship with someone. However, many people don’t like to hear this word because it can be a bit personal.

Here are some examples to help you:

• This is my lover, Jack. I think you’ll find that he’s a much better man than you ever were.
• I would like you to meet my new lover. Please be kind to him!
• She is my lover, and I will not let anyone else lay a hand on her!

Better Half

“Better half” is a slightly more humorous take on “other half.” It’s a common phrase we can use informally to show that we believe our partners make us better people. The idea is that we would be lost without them, and they raise us up.

It works really well because it always seems to make people laugh. They like the honesty that you present when using a phrase like this. After all, we’re informing people that we wouldn’t amount to much if it weren’t for the help of our partners.

Here are some great examples to show you how it works:

• He is my better half, and I don’t think I would have been nearly as successful without his input.
• This is my better half, and I thank him every day for allowing me to do all the things I currently do!
• She is my better half. Honestly, I’d be like a lost puppy if it weren’t for her!

Companion

“Companion” is a good way to refer to your romantic partner. It works well to show that they are there for you through everything, which is ideal in many relationships. A companion should always be at your side, no matter what happens.

The only problem that some people have with “companion” is that it is used to refer to pets like dogs. It can work well when you want to show that your dog is loyal to you. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also appropriate for boyfriends and girlfriends.

Still, these examples will show you how it works for romantic partners:

• My companion should be coming to visit me again over the weekend, and I’m looking forward to that.
• This is my new companion. I hope you treat him with the respect he deserves, unlike my last one.
• You’re going to be my companion for a long time, Darren! I can just tell!

Life Partner

“Life partner” works when we want to show that we have someone we will spend our lives with. It works well when you’re serious about your boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s an extension of the original word “partner,” which some people prefer.

There is no need to include “life” in the phrase, though. It’s up to you which you prefer, but the intention behind “partner” is already enough for people to understand that you intend to be with them for life.

Here are some great ways for you to make it work:

• She’s my life partner. I haven’t met anyone else with who I’ve gotten along so well before.
• I have a new life partner, and this time I’m certain she’s going to last.
• He’s my life partner, and I don’t know what I’d do with myself if he ever left me!

Romantic Companion

“Romantic companion” sounds a little robotic, but it works well to remove the typical gender roles of the original words. It can work well to replace “companion” as well, which some people believe makes it sound like you’re talking about a “dog.”

Typically, the older generations would be more likely to adopt a phrase like this. However, it still gets the meaning of the original words across, which is ideal.

You should check out these examples to see how you can use the word:

• He’s my romantic companion, and we’ve been together for about three years now.
• This is the romantic companion that I was telling you about. Her name is Susan.
• My romantic companion should be here shortly, so I’d like to have a table for two!

Soulmate

“Soulmate” is a great way to refer to your partner. It works well because it shows that your “souls” are intertwined, meaning that there is no one better for you in the world. It’s a common belief that everyone has one “perfect soulmate.”

If you do not believe in this idea yourself, then “soulmate” might not be the best option. However, if you believe that everyone has one true “partner,” it could be useful to keep this word as part of your vocabulary when referring to your partner.

These examples will help you to understand it:

• Trust me; we are soulmates. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you because you’re perfect.
• He’s my soulmate, mom. That’s why I’m so certain that you’re going to love him too when you meet him.
• She’s my soulmate, and I can’t believe how lucky I am that I found her in that large crowd.

Beau

“Beau” is an informal phrase we can use to describe our partner. Historically, it’s meant “male companion” rather than female, but in today’s world, it’s possible to use the word to refer to both genders. However, it is not as common as many others on this list.

Here are some ways we can use it;

• I’ve invited my beau over to visit. I hope that’s okay, dad.
• My beau should be arriving at the door any second, and I’ve never been so excited.
• I can’t believe how lucky I am to get to call him my beau!

Best Friend

“Best friend” works really well because it’s common for “boyfriends” and “girlfriends” to be closer than anyone else in their friend groups. Some people refer to their romantic partners as “best friends” to show that they have a lot in common and share everything with each other.

Here are some great ways for you to use this phrase:

• He’s my best friend, and I wouldn’t change anything about him for the world!
• Mom. Dad. This is my best friend, Charlotte! I hope you get along with her just as much as I do.
• My best friend will be coming over again later today, and I’m so excited to see her!