People in the LGBTQIA+ community often use the word partner to describe their relationship to other parties. ‘Boyfriend’ can sound juvenileLike many couples, Rouzer found “boyfriend” an inaccurate description of her close companion. Carey explained that “the relationship escalator” is a concept where couples are expected to follow several steps in a romantic relationship. Even the term “partner” could feel ambiguous since people might not know if you’re talking about a life or business partner. For Rouzer, “partner” is the most appropriate label for her nine-year relationship.

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Persons: Rouzer, ’ it’s, ”, Patricia S, Dixon, Zers, ’, Leah Carey, ” Carey, “ I’ve, Domenique Harrison, Carey, —, “, ” Harrison, Harrison, “ You’re, It’s, ” Jocelyn Solis, Moreira Organizations: CNN, National Louis University in, “, United, United States Census Locations: National Louis University in Florida, Millennials, California, United States, New York