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Why do we have to label our relationship?

Profile: Fallingfonder
Fallingfonder on Dec 16, 2014
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I believe that people have to label their relationship to make clear boundaries and goals for one another and as a whole.
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Profile: Barush
Barush on Dec 23, 2014
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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.
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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).
Profile: Erynn
Erynn on Dec 16, 2014
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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.
Profile: KendallNichole
KendallNichole on Dec 30, 2014
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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. :)
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Dec 15, 2014
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Labeling your relationship really helps people connect with you. That's the goal. To have people connect with you
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Dec 16, 2014
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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
Profile: gentleBraid63
gentleBraid63 on Jan 7, 2015
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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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on May 4, 2020
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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.
Profile: ChaiChelsea
ChaiChelsea on Dec 28, 2014
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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.
Profile: xoxloveistheanswer
xoxloveistheanswer on Jul 20, 2015
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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.
Profile: Hanna195
Hanna195 on Jul 21, 2015
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Labels can make it easier for people to understand and explain but you don't have to :) Just do what makes you happy :)
Profile: SparklingAmaranth
SparklingAmaranth on Sep 15, 2015
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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.
Profile: Echelon3
Echelon3 on Dec 28, 2015
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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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 29, 2018
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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.
Profile: lovingTree37
lovingTree37 on Mar 5, 2018
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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
Profile: Thehelpfulnurse
Thehelpfulnurse on Apr 10, 2018
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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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 11, 2018
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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.
Profile: YourPersonalUnicorn
YourPersonalUnicorn on Jun 19, 2018
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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.
Profile: Aayla
Aayla on Jul 8, 2019
LGBTQ+ Issues Expert
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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.
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