I didn’t like spouse at first, since I sort of accidentally got married by not understanding a bit of card text. But, well, the idea grew on me over time, and now I miss the term spouse.
I understand both viewpoints. I kind of wish there was a happy medium where the player could set a title of their own choosing, much like how the name a pet feature works. Let the individual decide if a spouse is a husband, a wife, a constant companion, or other title within taste and reason.