Who is he?

Last night Rob and I revisited an ongoing issue of ours. We just cannot come up with a conclusion that pleases the both of us.

Dilemma: How do we refer to each other/introduce each other to people?

We are attending a dinner party this weekend where we will not know most of the other guests, so there will be a lot of introducing.

Rob thinks that it is strange that I call him my boyfriend. He feels that title doesn't accurately represent the depth of our relationship. I can kinda see his point. He does seem like more than a boyfriend to me, but what is that called? Now me, I don't care what he calls me. I am fine with girlfriend, but he is insistent on being called something else. So, we ran through our list of options.

There is the simple Boyfriend, but it has already been vetoed by him - too juvenile. OK, Manfriend (a la SATC) - he isn't old enough to be referred to that way. How about Partner? That sounds too same sex relationship for him (although he is clearly a M and I am clearly an F, but whatever!). Next one I suggested was Significant Other. Apparently that just sounds stupid to him. What about Roommate? He didn't think this was funny at all...I did. :) Now I am all out of suggestions.

He has decided that he would like to be referred to as my Lover. When he first mentioned this way back when, I thought he was joking. Turns out he is serious. I informed him that this is definitely a no. He doesn't understand why this is a completely inappropriate way to introduce me to anyone...especially a total stranger. What am I going to do with this guy!?!

I think that I will just call him Rob and say that we have been together going on eight years. Simple...no title needed! I just hope that he follows suit. :)