Terms For Significant Others

Even though NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg calls Diana Taylor his "girlfriend," the term is much too juvenile for his city's preeminent newspaper. In a write up about Diana, the New York Times calls her the mayor's "companion" or "sidekick." Recalling Maureen Dowd's recent musings about when a woman is too old to be called "single," it appears the paper has a thing for age-appropriate relationship terms.

Wonkette argues that "companion" makes Mayor Bloomberg and his "special lady" seem like they're gay men in the '70s. But at a certain age or after many years together, perhaps the terms "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" become too immature or informal. When referring to your significant other, what do you say?