definitions
friend n.
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.
5. Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.
significant other n.
1. A person, such as a spouse or lover, with whom one shares a long-term sexual relationship.
2. A person, such as a family member or close friend, who is important or influential in one's life: “The most important variable in successful smoking cessation is the support of significant others in the new nonsmoker's life” (Carolyn Reuben).
(definitions from www.dictionary.com)
now, let's assume we are working off the number 1 definitions of these things... and while we are at it, let's assume there have been several conversations with a person about which relationship we're aiming for... how is it that people get confused which relationship they are when you tell them flat out they are a "friend"?
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.
5. Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.
significant other n.
1. A person, such as a spouse or lover, with whom one shares a long-term sexual relationship.
2. A person, such as a family member or close friend, who is important or influential in one's life: “The most important variable in successful smoking cessation is the support of significant others in the new nonsmoker's life” (Carolyn Reuben).
(definitions from www.dictionary.com)
now, let's assume we are working off the number 1 definitions of these things... and while we are at it, let's assume there have been several conversations with a person about which relationship we're aiming for... how is it that people get confused which relationship they are when you tell them flat out they are a "friend"?