Re: OT - Wording of Announcements

[Janice Gelb <Janice -dot- Gelb -at- Sun -dot- COM>]

Suzette Leeming wrote:
> I know this is off topic, but I could use some help with the wording of an
> announcement in the newspaper.
> 
> In an announcement, how does one refer to significant others when they are
> not married? I am putting an announcement in the paper for my inlaws' 50th
> wedding anniversary. In mentioning the grandchildren, I would like to also
> mention their spouses and significant others.
> 
> Example: Grandchildren Joe Smith (wife Shelley), Mary Carter (husband Bill),
> etc.
> 
> There are some grandchildren who are in long term relationships, but are not
> married. How do I refer to them? The word "partner" seems too cold;
> significant other is too long, companion makes me think of dogs, etc.
> 
> Could I say: Grandchildren Hank Jones (with Linda Black), Louise Jones (with
> Brad Jones), etc.?
> 
> Please forgive me for the off topic post. If anyone can help me with this
> wording, please reply to me offlist.
> 

None of the alternatives are perfect: "partner" sounds
like a law firm, "significant other" is long and awkward,
"companion" sounds like a seeing-eye dog, and so on.
Either you should pick the term that seems least
offensive to you or even better, ask the grandchildren
which term they prefer. Unless this is a very formal
social announcement, perhaps you could get away with
saying something like "In attendance at the event
were grandchildren Joe Smith, Mary Carter, Hank Jones,
and Louise Jones, and their families" and avoid the whole
issue :->

-- Janice


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