significant other or mistress, what's the difference?

@obe212003 (2299)
Philippines
March 31, 2011 8:59pm CST
i was watching a TV talk show dealing with extramarital affair. the discussion was emphasized on the "third party" termed as a "significant other", and one of the guest was a confirmed mistress, the funny thing was when she was dubbed as the "significant other", she was quite adamant to be referred to as the other woman with significance, lol! So, any idea on what's the difference?
1 response
raineyes
@raineyes (554)
• United States
1 Apr 11
I always thought a significant other was just a term for someone you have a relationship with whereas a mistress is someone a married man has an affair with behind his wife's back.
obe212003
@obe212003 (2299)
• Philippines
1 Apr 11
as explained by the host, they are synonymous as the relationships are of both significance. i just got confused as to whether a mistress can be a significant other or the other way around..