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This straight up happened in my family too
(lemmy.world)
Have an aunt who has only ever lived with women. I was always told it was her roommate. Everyone refers to her as a roommate. They BOUGHT THE HOUSE TOGETHER. Have dogs together. Raise the other ones kids together.
When I was like 17, and openly gay, I straight up asked my grandmother if her sister was a lesbian. She said no they're just roommates and got super specific about it. I asked my aunt a couple weeks later when I saw her and she went "Well, yeah. Do I not wear enough flannel?"
Non-Romantic domestic partnerships are awesome!
I wish I lived in a culture where this was more normalized. I guess it's a little more common among younger women, but fairly rare among men.
Glad you've got to have this experience with your family (which I'd argue you friend is part of).
I (40m) lived with my (39F) lesbian step sister for a few years.
It was like a proper relationship without any of the jealousy and clingy ownership that inevitably comes from both sides, plus if one of you brings home a catch you can genuinely give the other a high five.
One of the most functional relationships I have ever had.
He's definitely family :) I don't throw the term brother around lightly, but he's more than worthy of that title