What is behind a label? 14 differences between lover and partner

Do relationship labels baffle you?

Do you want to know what are the real differences between being a lover or his girl and being his girlfriend?

Well, you’re not alone.

People get very complicated when they get into the “define the relationship” stage.

While these terms seem similar, some traits and characteristics distinguish a partner or girlfriend from a lover.

There is a very interesting theory from the American psychologist Robert Stenberg. It is the triangular theory of love, which considers 3 key components in any relationship to define the type of bond, these are:

intimacy passion
Commitment

According to how these elements develop, you can decide if you are in a relationship or if you are simply lovers.

Let’s go over the differences below so you can understand your bond and think about your next steps.

14 Undeniable Differences Between Being His Girl/Lover Or His Partner

Your confusion begins with wanting to find the answer to the question, “What are we?”

Many guys use these two terms interchangeably. For something when a man talks about “his girl from him”, you keep wondering, but is she his girlfriend or just something casual?

Therefore, it is important to know the gap between the two before you start to have unrealistic expectations of any relationship.

These are the key differences that give rise to two very different aspects of being with someone.

1) A couple makes sacrifices

The willingness to make sacrifices shows a deep level of care and commitment for another.

Sometimes sacrifices help maintain the relationship.

They help build intimacy and trust in the relationship. They make the relationship go forward and prosper.

They don’t always have to be radical grand gestures. It can be doing or leaving things for the good of the other, such as:

Change your “me time” to quality time with your partner Willingness to give up desires Not needing to be right about everything Managing the constant drive to seek perfection Willingness to help each other financially

Sometimes it’s as simple as shopping because your partner is too tired.

2) A partner is more trustworthy

You can count on your partner more than your lover.

When you feel sad, you count on your partner to cheer you up.

When you get sick, you know that your partner will be there to take care of you.

There is a commitment and a responsibility.

While some lovers can also be dependable as a partner, they are not always ready and willing to be there for you.

A lover satisfies your need for passion and intimacy, but is not the person you want to rely on for your other needs and life goals.

With a partner you can think about spending your life with him.

If you’re currently a lover or a “friend with benefits” to a guy, it can be hard to express whether you want something more.

3) A couple makes an effort in the relationship

Your partner or boyfriend will pay attention to your needs. You will be present in the relationship and do everything you can to make it work and keep it alive.

Putting time and effort into a relationship keeps it healthy.

This effort can be seen even in these small details, such as:

Being there to cheer you up when you had a bad day Turning off their phone to give you their undivided attention Bringing your favorite lunch to work Making you feel loved, needed, and special Complimenting your appearance, intelligence, etc.

Even if it’s a long-distance relationship, you and your partner will keep the flame burning through video calls, messages, and regular visits.

A lover can easily replace you when an opportunity arises, a couple clings to the love they have.

4) A couple is completely committed to the relationship

Compromise is vital in a relationship.

The term girlfriend (or boyfriend) is synonymous with being in a committed relationship.

A boyfriend is someone with whom you share romantic emotions.

You have an intimate relationship with this person that involves love and feelings of attraction.

The relationship is full of love and there is a romantic, emotional, mental and spiritual connection.

You know a partner is committed to you when they show these signs:

He makes you part of his life He feels comfortable with you He always strives to get to know you better He listens to you carefully You are his priority

Lovers don’t expect much from the relationship other than to have a good time, especially in bed.

Commitment is not part of a lover’s vocabulary. This person detaches from the clichés of commitment or exclusivity like the plague.

The relationship is full of lust and is just physically driven.

5) A couple can be for life

A relationship with a partner is more intimate and full of romantic emotions.

It implies both attraction and love.

This person is aligned with your goals in life.

Your lover’s future doesn’t include you, so he won’t be around much longer.

Lovers who are intimately and immensely attracted to each other physically will eventually get bored once all their needs are met.

Although casual and fun, a love relationship is fleeting.

Although the passion is hot and intense, it never seems to turn into anything else. So be careful if you are falling in love with your lover.

Your interactions and the time you spend together end the moment you end up in bed.

If this person calls you his lover, believe him. It is likely that she is not thinking of you as a long-term partner.

6) A relationship of lovers is free of drama

A relationship with a lover is not that serious.

Read Also: Psychological tricks to know if someone likes you

But fulfill your desires and the fantasies in your mind.

It is a superficial relationship. It doesn’t require much effort.

There are no commitments that exist compared to a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.

With a lover, there are no restrictions.

Because the effort is superficial or none at all, it is free of any kind of complexity.

You know that anything or everything you do will not make or weaken what they have.

They see each other often and have fun together. But there is no commitment. The relationship does not grow and is not going anywhere.

7) A lover is 100% honest

Here we talk about sex life.

Count on your lover’s honesty to meet and fulfill your most intimate desires and fantasies.

With this person you can have your most intimate moments and secrets. They can lie down together and have uninhibited sex.

A lover is honest, as he only stays when he wants to hang out or sleep with you. And you know it.

The encounters are full of sensuality without conditions. They both enjoy the new as it brings a different level of excitement.

It can be something longer than a one-night stand. Although it can also last a few weeks or months.

But casual sex between lovers is nothing compared to romantic loving sex with your boyfriend or partner.

Because?

Because a relationship has a special level of comfort, trust and security, and everything that makes sex glorious not just pleasurable.

8) The attraction to a lover and the connection is intense

We are talking about physical attraction here.

Physical attraction is part of a relationship, and physical contact can bring you closer to someone.

But lovers are only interested in physically connecting with you, nothing more.

Your lover likes the physical attraction and sexual connection you are having. But then, you find it difficult to connect on a mental, emotional, or spiritual level.

9) The difference in meeting family and friends

When it comes to a lover, you will never officially introduce the person to your family or friends.

A lover will keep you apart from his family and friends.

Making your lover a part of your personal life would give your relationship official status.

To a girlfriend, he will be willing to introduce her to his family and friends.

It’s because he sees her seriously as a potential future partner.

10) The difference in making time for each other

No matter how busy they are, they will always find time to communicate with the person they love and care for.

A couple prioritizes spending time and connecting with you.

Prioritizing your relationship and each other’s needs leads to a deeper and more fulfilling connection.

11) Is there talk or not of a future together?

Do they see themselves in each other’s future?

With a partner you will talk about all these things: plans, marriage, meeting families, having children in the future, etc. This person sees a future with you.

Read Also: 16 Clues left by infidels (after reading them you will have no doubts)

A lover avoids any conversation that has to do with a future together.

If your gut tells you that your lover is just here to have a good time, trust your intuition.

But then, like all matters of the heart, there’s a chance the lovers could turn into a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.

However, you should know what a one in a million event is.

Biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, Ph.D. He shares that people who engage in casual sex in hopes of starting a more serious connection are embracing the concept of “slow love.”

12) Difference in communication

A lover and a partner differ greatly in the way they communicate.

With a lover, communication is limited and mostly deals with casual and unimportant topics.

Conversations with your lover lack depth. This person does not show a sincere interest in how things are going in her life.

A couple can talk about every little and big detail with you. They can openly discuss each other’s dreams, goals, or game plans.

With a partner you take the conversations further and to another level.

13) Dangerous expectations

Expectations vary with a lover and a partner.

There is reciprocity and exclusivity in dating a girlfriend-boyfriend.

While with a lover, this exclusive relationship does not exist.

Since there is nothing in between, you can also date other people.

When things are casual, you never set expectations of a person.

Just keep this in mind: Casual is not forever, emotions change and we must be careful to take care of ourselves. If casual is no longer for you because you develop feelings for your lover, it is convenient to talk about it and walk away if it is not reciprocated.

From a partner, you expect more, from understanding to a better future. You count on that person being there for you when you need them and even when you don’t.