New word needed...

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”

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

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

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.

My life partner?

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’.

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

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

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

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".

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

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

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 .

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 !

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

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

There’s a phrase used round here “Bidie in” it implies someone who lives in but, somehow, much more.

My husband and I had the same problem 10 years ago, so we got married . Much easier😂

I have a widowed friend in a similar relationship with a widower. I refer to him as her paramour.

My partner, my bloke, my lady.

Can't bear boyfriend/girlfriend.

Ah, that's the best way to fall in love, whatever you call it 🙂

Happy for you!

You could say "my beloved" , "my love", or "my darling". I don't think there is anything wrong with boyfriend/girlfriend if you don't. It's quite sweet.
I think "my friend" is a bit vague. Some people joke and say "my better half" or my other half- but really it's more important for you both to find a way to refer to each other that you're both comfortable with. If you got engaged you could say "My fiance", but have a long term engagement and not necessarily live together.

I don't think the ambiguity with tennis or business matters much - not often the source of genuine misunderstanding.

I think the problem is more that for those beyond the age of boy/girlfriend there seems no word to distinguish a permanent relationship from one that is of more recent date or less committed. There are times when this matters and it's here that a new word would be useful.

People used to get very confused if my OH introduced other women as 'my partner'. So agree it can be confusing- but still the best choice. Yep, a new word required, agreed.

I know a woman of 74 who says "my partner". But once you know about him there's no need for a description, she just says Paul.