Close in the lexicon, the words partners and spouses do not quite evoke the same type of relationship in life. Our psychologist, Johanna Rozenblum, explains why.
Did you know that there is a difference between the words partners and spouses? These terms, although very similar, used to describe one’s other half, would carry within them a slightly more hidden and different meaning deciphered by our psychologist.
The spouse, the one to whom we are related
Thus the spouse, defined in the dictionary by “Associated, closely united” is the rather official name we give to the person with whom we share our life. “It’s a term for the person you are legally with, whether you are married or not.” explains Johanna Rozenblum. But the word spouse is not necessarily synonymous with sharing.
“There is something ultimately very administrative in this term, which says nothing about the emotional relationship that plays out within the couple. We can also be spouses without being particularly close, without approaching things together emotionally speaking”.
The partner, the one with whom we share our emotions
On the other hand, the word partner, which can also be understood professionally, says more about the quality of the romantic relationship.
“The partner is a relationship in which we share moments of life, emotions, and this no longer has anything to do with an administrative relationship. This evokes a form of romantic relationship that we experience with the other, through the other. Whether you are married or not, your partner is the one with whom you choose to experience things.”
Ask yourself what makes your relationship
There’s no point feeling guilty if you sometimes use the word spouse to describe your lover. There are also official or professional contexts where it is completely normal to speak of “spouse” (and not of lover, partner or soul mate). But as psychologist and sexologist Margaux Terroux points out in an Instagram post, this difference in words can help you determine the nature of your relationship.
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“It is important to feel in the other person, this person who will be of unfailing support. Ask yourself: ‘Can I count on him/her?’ ”. You will surely have the answer to all your questions,” she says.
Then it is also possible that you come to only one conclusion: that your spouse can also be your partner. One does not prevent the other.
