New word needed...

We have been partners for 43 years. He just introduces me by my name.

My gentleman friend. 🙂
For him, of course, My lady friend.

Unless you're making introductions in a business setting, "my partner" easily covers it, I think. Most people would assume you meant life partner, it doesn't require explanation.

Or there's not much wrong with "my other half" - since you are both one half of a couple, or introducing someone as "my man/my lady" together with a name leaves others in no doubt as to your status. Anything more is hardly anyone's business but what it does do is allow you to easily inform new people that you're in this relationship together and that's probably very important to you now. So lovely that you've found happiness !

I’m of a similar age and in exactly the same kind of relationship as you, OP.

“Partner” is the word I use. I don’t think it has business connotations anymore - and nobody ever bats an eyelid.

I’ve tried saying “boyfriend” but I can never utter the word without following it with an embarrassed giggle.

So, I sort of feel your pain .

How about a bright smile and 'my fancy man'!

Paramour is a married woman’s illicit lover llfl, I know.

I'm not keen on the Bridie one because it makes me think of "er indoors"

Paramour no, for the above reasons.

You could say "my lovely man" or "my lovely woman".

I like companion, but that infers no sex…
My chap is nice.

I like "my chap" but am curious, what does he then refer to her as, his "chapette?" I'd probably go with partner though "lover" would make me smile every time I said it. By the way, I'm very happy for you Scribbles

If necessary I say my partner but mostly I just say his name
People seem to understand…. Not difficult!

I think men could say ‘my lady’.

Sounds very courteous but special.

Someone I know who was engaged, but no intention to marry, said they had a ‘forever engagement’.

My life partner?

Thanks to everyone for your input. You've given us a few ideas to consider.

Consort has its attractions but there's a worry it might sound a tad grandiose given our lifestyle. I like fancy man/fancy woman although Himself suggests this may lead to disappointment when people actually meet him and discover he's not especially fancy at all!

I do like 'my chap' although, as sukie says, there isn't a female equivalent. For formal reference, I guess it'll have to be life partner and we'll no doubt settle on something that suits us eventually for more informal use.

Very close friend, with the accent on ‘very’?

I think something like 'my lovely lady' in non- creepy way. Or even 'my lady' in a non-Parkerish way.

We refer to each other as my Partner. People who know us we just use our names.

Mum once had someone who moved in with her. His Daughter introduced Mum to her Mother in Law, as Dad’s friend! MIL apparently rolled her eyes and said “friend ? hmmmmm”