I didn't read through the thread...
I cannot legally get married without certain papers from the USA. I call SO my husband and I'm his wife.

I don't know why what I call my SO would insult or annoy anyone.  

Quoting Jude the Super Kinkster:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Back to Noob Status:</b>" People like to say that marriage ... [snip!] ... What about people who can't be legally married? A gay couple or someone who is in a polygamist or polyamorous relationship?"

I believe I already addressed that in my post....

"I find it equally insulting that heterosexual couples can have multiple divorces, but my aunt and her girlfriend of many years can't make themselves wives b/c it "ruins the sanctity of marriage." ""

I haven't read the rest of the thread but I don't really care that much. I get it because calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend feels really juvenile. Especially after you have a kid and have been an adult for some time.

I think it's weird when like 15 yr old call each other husband and wife but whatever. It's not THAT big of a deal.

Not it doesn't bother me. The only exception is when you see all these teenagers calling their boyfriend/girlfriend that when they had only been together like 2 weeks, lol.

But for a couple who has been together for a very long time just don't feel the need to get a piece of paper stating that it's fine with me. It's possible to be very happy in your relationship and just not take that next step. Gene Simmons had been with his wife for 20 years or so and they JUST got married a year or so ago.