Partner
Hear this word Partner
Also known as: Significant other, lover, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend
Image description: Loving affection between partners
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
A partner is the person or people who you desire and agree to be close to in a romantic and/or sexual way, and who also agree to be in that romantic or sexual relationship with you.
An Example
At Avery’s health care provider, the staff always ask if patients have a sexual “partner” as part of their routine questions. They never ask if a person has a boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, or husband, because those words aren’t so inclusive.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- The ways people define themselves and their partners within a relationship is up to the people in the relationship. It is important that everyone is on the same page.
- Flirting with or having a crush on someone does not make them your partner. However it is possible to flirt with and have a crush on someone who is already your partner.
- Romantic and sexual partners can support each other and their relationship by learning how to communicate in ways that are honest and respectful of each other's boundaries and desires. Partners can show that they care about each other in many ways. This can include communicating to make sure that partners are clear and agree about what does or does not work for them throughout their romantic and sexual relationship. It can also include communicating to share what partners appreciate about each other, enjoy, and desire to create in their relationship with each other.
- People may agree to only have one partner or they may agree that they will also date other people. It is important to communicate with each other about what you consent to in your relationship and what your boundaries are.
- If two people are in a romantic or sexual relationship with each other and do not have other romantic or sexual partners, then this relationship might be described as a monogamous relationship.
- Polyamory is when people are in or want to be in honest and consensual romantic or sexual relationships with more than one partner at the same time. These relationships often require lots of clear and honest communication between all partners. It’s important that everyone understands what is happening and can consent or decide if they want to be in the relationship or not.
- People should not agree to a relationship that makes them feel uncomfortable. If you experience violence or need help in your romantic relationship, contact a therapist or www.thehotline.org/
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What did you learn about the word partner?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.
