Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 (Tek) 9/28/84 based on 9/17/84; site hammer.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!harvard!talcott!panda!genrad!decvax!tektronix!orca!hammer!seifert
From: seifert@hammer.UUCP (Snoopy)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Re: Just how far can friendship go?
Message-ID: <1389@hammer.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 18-Jul-85 01:12:38 EDT
Article-I.D.: hammer.1389
Posted: Thu Jul 18 01:12:38 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 21-Jul-85 02:20:37 EDT
References: <317@azure.UUCP> <800@vax2.fluke.UUCP> <536@ttidcc.UUCP> <ucbvax.9038> <597@unc.UUCP>
Reply-To: seifert@hammer.UUCP (Snoopy)
Distribution: net
Organization: The Daisy Hill Puppy Farm
Lines: 29
Summary: really definition of "SO"

>What do you guys think of using "mate" or "partner", instead of "SO"?
>
>	Frank Silbermann

Ah yes, time for the semi-annual discussion of what "SO" means.  -sigh-

"SO" is basically a replacement for "boyfriend/girlfriend", which
(a) sound sort of high-schoolish, (b) are gender-specific,
and (c) offends many radical feminists with the text string "girl",
(whether it is used properly or not).  "Gentleman-friend/Lady-friend"
aren't really much of an improvement.

SO refers to someone who is more than "just a friend", there is
some degree of romantic interest.  It *usually* refers to *one*
special person, since most of us tend to be monogamous.  However
it is possible to have more than one SO at the same time.  Being
SOs does not imply ANYTHING about how far you go physically.
You could be exchanging smiles or you could have 10 children.

"Mate" or "lover" do imply a physical relationship, and thus
aren't as useful for discussing relationships in the general case.
"Partner" could be used, I suppose, but sounds like you are in
business together or playing bridge or something.

"RF" for "romantic friend" might work.  (or "Real-Fine", or "Right
Frequency" (from discussion of a few weeks ago)  :-)  )

the Bavarian Beagle
tektronix!hammer!seifert