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Why do we have to label our relationship?

24 Answers
Last Updated: 10/11/2021 at 11:14pm
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I specialise in respectfully helping people navigate their way through trauma and relationship issues. The adversities in our life can actually transform us.

Top Rated Answers
Fallingfonder
December 16th, 2014 3:36pm
I believe that people have to label their relationship to make clear boundaries and goals for one another and as a whole.
Barush
December 23rd, 2014 4:40pm
You do not have to label your relationship at all. It is something between you and the other person (or people). Therefore, if both (or all) of you agree that labels is something you do not get behind, that's perfectly fine.
neverletlifetakeyourspark
April 2nd, 2015 6:10am
You don't have to. For some reason society has grown on the idea of 'labeling' everthing/one. Do whatever makes you happy, and ignore the hatters (they just don't understand).
Erynn
December 16th, 2014 1:28am
I don't think you need to. You can choose to explain your relationship, or not explain it, however you would like. Society likes boxes though, even though those boxes have become more and more numerous lately, so there is indeed a pressure on people to label themselves and their relationships. It can sometimes help to clarify expectations and rules and such, but... it is not needed. I'd do whatever feels comfortable and works best for you.
KendallNichole
December 30th, 2014 5:15am
You dont always have to label a relationship! It does seem that way, as society and peers do sometimes add pressure to the fact that you have to have a "label", but you dont. As long as you and your other are happy, there's no need for a label until you're both ready for that. :)
Anonymous
December 16th, 2014 4:03am
I wouldn't say you HAVE to but in my opinion labels helps, it allows us to feel like we can "fit in". Labeling a relationship can help clarify the expectations of each party involved and make sure you are both on the same page. If you feel more comfortable not using an existing label make one or simply don't do it...but its important to communicate with your partner(s) and make sure they are clear on what your relationship means to you and to them
Anonymous
December 15th, 2014 11:26pm
Labeling your relationship really helps people connect with you. That's the goal. To have people connect with you
gentleBraid63
January 7th, 2015 4:54am
For some people, labeling a relationship can help them feel more secure, because they know what to expect from their interactions with the other person. Not everyone prefers to label a relationship though, and whether to do so or not is up to you and the other person involved. What's important is that you two are both open and honest about what you expect and need out of this relationship, and that this communication remains open.
Sventek
May 4th, 2020 2:03am
There shouldn't always be a constant need to bring out the label maker machine to give a title to what two people share. Sometimes it's magical, at times trying, and others fulfilling beyond our expectations. Yet, we don't always need to be firm about what something is or isn't. It can be nice to simply appreciate what someone brings into our lives, without an expectation of status or structure. It is hard for some, to adjust to the idea that the experience is more important than the title or role in which someone plays. I believe that in our early lives we are taught that we MUST establish a specific role, a responsibility, and title signifies what things mean between two people. However, as you get older, you come to realize that people come into your life for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s to teach you something new either about them, the world around you, or even yourself. Others come into your life briefly, for specific experiences, and then there are some that come to your life and stay long term. You can cherish ALL of those experiences, and without the label maker.
omfgy46
October 11th, 2021 11:14pm
Labels are best served on canned goods! There is no need to "label" any relationship. Love is love, and friendship is friendship. You will know in your gut how you feel about each other, and act accordingly in that relationship. Communication is key in any type of relationship. Be open, honest, and don't be afraid to be vulnerable if you trust the person. You, and only YOU and that one other person, or persons will define it. No labels needed. Bottom line, you should never feel obligated to label any kind of relationship. Friends, family, loved ones, partners, random sex partners even. Do YOU, and focus on that :)
Anonymous
October 11th, 2021 8:35pm
Putting a label on a relationship usually means you're serious about it and not embarrassed of your partner. Your partner might be worried you don't love them if you don't want to label the relationship, so if you have a reason you can just talk it out with them. This should help them not feel self-conscious about the relationship and that you're serious about it. If you're not looking for a serious relationship then you can just tell them. If they're looking for something serious, they can chat with you about it and perhaps you will figure something out. Take care
Anna790
June 23rd, 2020 9:30am
Hello there! Labeling is a part of communication that we can't get rid of. People started creating words to understand better what was around them. They saw a flower and decided that they would call it a flower, so when someone want to mention a flower they would be able to do so. Relationships are the same. They are not objects and we can't touch them, but we have to put labels on them to be sure that you and your partner are moving in one direction, and that you and your partner are in the same level of relationship development. Labels in such things also can help us to be sure in our partner because now, after we put a label on it, this "it-i-am-not-sure-what-exactly" became something more. It became something understandable.
Anonymous
May 25th, 2020 9:40pm
We tend to feel more comfortable if we label things. Labels help us identify the nature of our relationships. If you feel more comfortable not labelling your relationships, that's ok! You don't have to label it then! It is important to keep in mind that there are other people in the relationship as well and that they may feel the need to label the relationship. Communication is important and transparency is key. Be honest and accepting. People not involved in the relationship may still label it, but it's not their relationship and none of their business. Do whatever you feel comfortable with!
Aayla
- Expert in LGBTQ+ Issues
July 8th, 2019 9:15pm
For cultural reasons, mainly. We've been told that everything needs to fit a specific category, because society is obsessed with categories and order. But reality is broader than that. Every person lives their own unique experience, and it's ok if it doesn't fit any fixed, pre-established category. You can just live your life and be happy, labels are only there to be used if it's comfortable for you, otherwise they're not necessary.
YourPersonalUnicorn
June 19th, 2018 8:27am
Labels help us understand things and communicate them to others, but they are non necessario if they don't feel comfortable. In fact you can even use multiple labels or none, it's up to you to decide what describes the situation best. Remember, if someone is pressuring you to label your relationship, it's not respectful of you and you still have the freedom to decide autonomously.
Anonymous
June 11th, 2018 8:59pm
You don't have to at all. Sometimes you can feel pressured to name and label things which in reality don't need labelling. If you want to, do it, sometimes it can be helpful but it's not always necessary/the right thing to do.
Thehelpfulnurse
April 10th, 2018 8:26am
As humans we tend you label everything we see. The sky is blue. That is a black car. Unfortunately that seems to creep over into our relationships and emotions sometimes. No you don't have to label relationships. As long as you and the other person feel comfortable there's no need to put a label on anything.
lovingTree37
March 5th, 2018 7:51pm
You don't have to, it offers some people security though if they want to feel like you won't sleep with other people and labels help do that
Anonymous
January 29th, 2018 4:37am
I don't think you necessarily have to label it. I think you could choose to label it however you'd like, or not label it at all.
Echelon3
December 28th, 2015 12:09am
You don't have to. Labeling it may not make it a sure thing. If you feel more comfortable just knowing, and not naming, it could be better for everyone involved by taking pressure away.
SparklingAmaranth
September 15th, 2015 5:23pm
Some people like to label their relationship so that they know where they stand. But honestly you don't have to, it's completely up to you.
Hanna195
July 21st, 2015 6:48pm
Labels can make it easier for people to understand and explain but you don't have to :) Just do what makes you happy :)
xoxloveistheanswer
July 20th, 2015 1:03pm
Some people can get confused about how serious or committed their partner is to them, so putting a label is like a "security feature", where both people feel comfortable with that label. Humans naturally need to define or understand things, and this is just part of that need. Sometimes, however, labels cause extra stress on the relationship when one partner is not comfortable with it. When both parties are secure in themselves and have a strong trust foundation, then both can feel comfortable with or without a label.
ChaiChelsea
December 28th, 2014 12:24am
Of course, each relationship and personal experience is different and has different needs. With that said, I will say that if you and your partner (or partners) are comfortable with not labeling the relationship, that is often a very valid decision! Labels can sometimes be useful, but they can also sometimes be harmful or hurtful. It is important to have an open talk and communicate, to share your feelings about not wanting to have a label on the relationship. If you can share this, perhaps the other person can share their own feelings as well - and if the pressure to label the relationship is coming from them, you can reach a compromise.