10 reasons to drop the words “significant other” from your vocabulary

10 reasons to drop the words “significant other” from your vocabulary

Language is powerful. The words we use can shape how we view the world, our relationships, and ourselves. One term that has been used for decades to describe someone we are romantically involved with is “significant other.” But have you ever stopped to think about what it really means and whether it serves the purpose you intend? Here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider dropping "significant other" from your vocabulary and embracing more meaningful, authentic ways to describe your relationship.

1. It’s Vague

The term “significant other” leaves a lot up to interpretation. Does it refer to your partner in a romantic relationship? A long-term companion? Someone you live with? The ambiguity can lead to confusion, as the phrase doesn’t specify the nature or depth of your connection. Why not use terms that better capture the essence of your bond, like "partner," "girlfriend," or "boyfriend"? These words have clear meanings and leave little to guesswork.

2. It Reduces the Relationship to Just Importance

The phrase “significant other” focuses on the idea that the person is important—but that’s it. It doesn’t capture the emotional depth, the unique qualities of the connection, or the personal history you share. Relationships are more than just being significant; they involve love, laughter, struggles, growth, and intimacy. A more specific term can reflect these layers.

3. It’s Liberal

Using more personalized words like “partner” or “spouse” makes it feel more like a living, breathing relationship, rather than something that’s described in a boardroom or on an official form. Think of how much more connected you feel when someone says, “This is my partner,” versus “This is my significant other.”

4. It Reinforces Traditional Gender Roles

“Significant other” is often used as a one-size-fits-all label, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. But it can inadvertently uphold heteronormative and binary ideas of relationships. Moving away from this phrase allows room for more inclusive terms that reflect the diversity of relationships in today’s world—terms like “partner” or “lover” are open to a range of identities and dynamics.

5. It Makes Relationships Sound Like a Checkbox

When you refer to someone as your “significant other,” it can inadvertently make the relationship sound transactional, as if it’s a checkbox on a life’s to-do list. Relationships should be about connection, care, and growth—not just meeting some arbitrary mark of significance. Words like “soulmate,” “companion,” or “better half” can bring a more personal, loving dimension to the relationship.

6. It Feels Impersonal

Think about how often you use “significant other” in conversations. It’s often used when you want to talk about your romantic life, but the term itself feels distant and lacks the warmth and specificity of other descriptors. Using a more intimate term, like “my love,” “my partner,” or “my person,” can evoke a greater sense of closeness.

7. It Doesn’t Reflect Modern Relationships

The term “significant other” gained popularity when traditional, long-term heterosexual relationships were the norm. In today’s society, relationships come in many forms—short-term, non-monogamous, polyamorous, or long-distance. “Significant other” doesn’t always reflect the nuances of these diverse connections. Words like “partner” or “companion” are much more flexible, allowing you to define your relationship on your own terms.

8. It’s Outdated

The phrase “significant other” feels a bit stuck in the past, particularly when compared to more modern relationship terms. In the age of personal expression, individuality, and inclusivity, why use a word that feels like it belongs to a bygone era? Newer terms can better reflect the evolving nature of how we connect with others.

9. It Doesn’t Always Reflect the Level of Commitment

One of the main reasons people use “significant other” is to describe someone they’re in a committed relationship with, but it doesn’t always indicate the depth or exclusivity of that commitment. You might be dating, engaged, or married—each of those stages could have a more specific term that conveys the level of commitment you share. Instead of “significant other,” why not say, “my fiancée,” “my spouse,” or simply “my partner”?

10. It’s Overused

Because "significant other" is so ubiquitous, it can feel like a lazy default. It’s easy to use when you don’t want to delve into specifics, but it can come off as impersonal when you’re describing someone you care deeply about. Taking the time to choose a word that truly reflects your bond shows your relationship the respect and attention it deserves.

In Conclusion

It’s time to let go of the generic, outdated, and vague label of “significant other” in favor of something that better reflects the love, intimacy, and individuality that define your relationship. Whether you call them your partner, lover, or even your best friend, choose a term that resonates with the unique nature of your connection. After all, language is about more than just communicating—it’s about truly capturing the essence of who and what we care about. So, why not make your words as meaningful as your relationships?

About Rupiani's:
Chicago-based Rupiani's is an innovative technology company and the home of Chicago's finest stuffed deep dish pizza, made in the heart of the lively River North neighborhood. Whether you have roots in Chicago and have relocated, crave the Chicago taste you experienced on your last trip, live in a remote area, or simply want to try our renowned stuffed deep dish pizza, Rupiani's makes it possible to experience the best tastes Chicago has to offer—all at the power of your fingertips. A pioneer in the nationwide pizza delivery space, Rupiani's is disrupting an industry of old-school Chicago pizzerias, with a mission to make the world a smaller and more accessible place—one stuffed deep dish pizza at a time.