Is there another term I can consider for “ex-husband”?

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Question by marylou: Is there another term I can consider for “ex-husband”?
I’ve always had difficulty with society’s terms for our relationship partners. Husband, spouse, partner of any kind, close friend…never found one that worked even though I was married for over 30 years, and deeply in love through most of it. Now that I’m in a new relationship, my new “partner” is having great difficulty hearing me use “husband” and would rather I use such a term as “ex” or “ex-husband” when I speak about him, specifically with others in casual conversation. Just as the implications of husband don’t work for her, ex-husband doesn’t work for me. Yes, we’ve talked about what might be under this for both of us, but in the meantime, I’m wondering what suggestions others may have about what word I might choose when referring to my husband of 30+ years who I no longer live with, sleep with, but with whom I have a great many years together, children, grandchildren, and who I still consider an important platonic connection in my life. I’d like to find something that might work for all of us. I trust I can always ask, no matter how challenging. Thanks for you input, and yes, I’m ready. Peace.
This comes up specifically in casual conversations with others who do not know my “husband,” so using his name would be odd, don’t you think? I also don’t appreciate others using their relationship problems in their not-so-helpful answers. Please review my question where I write that he is still a close connection. Thanks to those who have provided some helpful and possible answers so far.
Choosing a word because “that’s what others understand” is not me and is what is at the root of this question.

Best answer:

Answer by coolio
Ex-hole

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