I think it would be amazing if we could all move away from labels (at least negative ones), but that's how we make sense of things. I think relationship statuses are there basically to make sure two people are on the same page and to sometimes show off to family and friends. They also hold people a little more accountable - ideally communication in general should do that.
For example, if a woman is interested in a man and they're dating and she wants to take it to the next level, but he doesn't want anyone else to know (aka doesn't want it on Facebook or announced at all to family or friends), this might raise some suspicions. He could be messing around with other women so he doesn't want to ruin his chances by announcing it on Facebook or to friends (worst case scenario).
Especially in college, people are experimenting and playing around and don't necessarily take "relationships" seriously - but for the people who are taking them seriously, this can be hurtful. Hence labels are sometimes necessary.
Another scenario - a man doesn't want to confirm a relationship with a woman who wants to be with him officially. However, he acts like a boyfriend in all other ways. The truth is, he probably doesn't like her in the way she needs, so time to move on. Or maybe he just sees things in a different way and thinks labels are absurd. Who knows. Labels can be both confusing, necessary and unnecessary. Depends on the situation and individual.
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I think it would be amazing if we could all move away from labels (at least negative ones), but that's how we make sense of things. I think relationship statuses are there basically to make sure two people are on the same page and to sometimes show off to family and friends. They also hold people a little more accountable - ideally communication in general should do that.
For example, if a woman is interested in a man and they're dating and she wants to take it to the next level, but he doesn't want anyone else to know (aka doesn't want it on Facebook or announced at all to family or friends), this might raise some suspicions. He could be messing around with other women so he doesn't want to ruin his chances by announcing it on Facebook or to friends (worst case scenario).
Especially in college, people are experimenting and playing around and don't necessarily take "relationships" seriously - but for the people who are taking them seriously, this can be hurtful. Hence labels are sometimes necessary.
Another scenario - a man doesn't want to confirm a relationship with a woman who wants to be with him officially. However, he acts like a boyfriend in all other ways. The truth is, he probably doesn't like her in the way she needs, so time to move on. Or maybe he just sees things in a different way and thinks labels are absurd. Who knows. Labels can be both confusing, necessary and unnecessary. Depends on the situation and individual.
November 18, 2010 - 5:46pmThis Comment
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