See also Language & Tone
Do not mention a person’s marital status unless their legal marital relationship is relevant.
Mr does not indicate a man’s marital status, where ‘Miss’ and ‘Mrs’ do, so the preferred title for women is Ms, except where the person prefers to be called ‘Miss’ or ‘Mrs’.
Below is a list of commonly used terms and guidance around how (and if) they should be used.
Do not use these old-fashioned terms; recast or use ‘unmarried’.
Both domestic partner and life partner are OK to use when referring to people who live together who are of the same or different genders, and who may or may not be married.
Significant other is old-fashioned and should not be used.
Spouse is OK to use as a synonym for husband or wife; spousal equivalent should be avoided.