How I hate the use of the word "partner" to indicate one's boyfriend / girlfriend / f*^k buddy / lover / husband / wife / etc.

People, people, people....

If you are doing business with someone, they are your partner.
If you have been promoted at your firm and your name is on the company title, then the other humans whose name are on the company title are your partners.
If you are a cop, then you have a partner.
If you and your dog Spot and your horse Silver and your partner Tonto need to make a decision about which road to take... well then, choose the high road not the low road.

If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, that person is your boyfriend or girlfriend, not your "partner".
If you have a lover, f*^k buddy, amore, affair, it is that, not your partner.
If you have a husband, wife, long-term live in relationship without a church / state contract, then that person is your husband, wife, common law spouse, or love of your life, not your partner.
If your relationship does not fit in a convenient term, then make up one, or use a nice love name, not partner.

Hello People, this is your love, not your bureaucratic colleague.