So tonight, I am focusing on 28. Make new words.
This is somewhat out of necessity. My “boyfriend” and I have been together what is rapidly approaching 5 years. We live together, we share chores, we are lucky to have date night twice a month, but we do try. If this sounds more like a married couple than a “boyfriend” “girlfriend” couple, it’s because it is. For some reason, I have never been interested in having a wedding. Maybe it’s because I can’t imagine spending money on silly stuff or maybe it’s because of my deeply seeded genetic code that always wants to fight the establishment (ie 40. Avoid Fields, but we will get to that later). Or maybe, just maybe, it is my loathing of the word fiance, even without the acute accent.
I am ok with “partner,” even though it was my first dog’s name. He was a loving, devoted Old English sheep dog after all. But the word has been somewhat co-opted by the gay movement*, most of whom would love to have the same right to marriage that I apparently take for granted. (*Side note: Totally ok with said movement and their equal rights)
So what can I call my “boyfriend?”
Lately it has been “manband.” Which I like for him, but am not sure I like “womanband” for me. And are we really banded together? Aren’t healthy relationships about maintaining your own life?
The root of the word “husband” means “master of the house” while “wife” simply means “woman.” So what are the modern day roles of men and women? In my ideal world, it’s where men and women share duties, fun and love equally. I think my “boyfriend” and I come close to this ideal. That makes me happy.
So what word could come from “equal people?”
- Balanced
- Parallel
- Equivalent
- Mate
- 50-50 (I do like the idea of introducing him as… This is my 50)
- Half-n-half (The cream to my coffee?)
- The best of company
Or maybe “band” isn’t that bad after all. Maybe we are banded together. Whether through fate or some spectacular force, we depend on each other for friendship, love and some “nookies”. So how about “coband”. Its rather gender neutral, people might get it (if I’m lucky) and we both get to be masters (hus means house so I am assuming band derives from master some how…).
“Co” can mean “together,” “mutually,” and (to math-geek out) “the complement of an angle.”
So “coband” it is. My new word. Which was harder to do than I thought.
I would love to hear some new words from my friends!
Love,
The a Bit More Complete Rachelle
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