The labels and terminologies used in family trees can sometimes be a bit generic and might not accurately reflect the specific relationship status between individuals. Family tree software or platforms often have preset options for relationships, and "spouse" is commonly used as a default term to represent a partner or significant other, regardless of marital status.
If your girlfriend is not actually your wife, and you'd prefer a more accurate representation in your family tree, you may have a few options:
Customize the relationship label: Some family tree software allows you to customize the relationship labels. Look for options to edit the relationship description, so you can change "spouse" to "partner" or any other term that accurately represents your relationship.
Use a different family tree platform: If your current software doesn't allow for custom labels, consider exploring other family tree platforms that offer more flexibility in representing relationships.
Keep a separate record: If you want to maintain the current family tree as it is, you could keep a separate record or note about your relationship with your girlfriend outside of the family tree software, where you can specify the accurate nature of your relationship.
Remember that family trees are a representation of relationships and connections within a family, and the primary purpose is to document and celebrate those connections. The labels used are there to provide a quick understanding of the relationships, but they don't have to conform to strict definitions if they don't accurately represent your specific situation. Customize your family tree to make it meaningful and reflective of your unique family dynamics.