There was a jingle. It went like this...
If it says Libbys, Libbys, Libbys
on the label, label, label
You will like it, like it, like it
on your table, table, table
Catchy tune
Excellent branding technique
Libby's probably paid a big hunch of change
to a Madison Avenue marketing firm to create it
Here's the thing...I HATE labels
Putting labels on people makes me CRAZY
So here I am again, being asked...."do I introduce you as my GIRLFRIEND?"
I respond, "I would be happy and proud to be introduced as your GIRLFRIEND, but could you please tell me what that means?"
So I guess I'm going to forced to figure out why it is I have such an aversion to labels. Or do I?
Here's why I don't like labels:
1. Very rarely do people define the words used as labels in the same way, so although you may think you know...you really don't.
2. Pidgeonholing people, situations, etc... limits them to our current perception and understanding...what if we just let it alone for a while and allow it to name itself?
ok...sidebar...I just realized I had the same thought years ago about teaching children to talk...what if we didn't talk around them, what language would they develop on their own?
3. Labeling someone "this" or "that" is but one facet of who they are.
If you have thoughts about this topic...feel free to leave a comment.
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3 comments:
Girlfriend, Lover, Partner, Significant Other, custodian of my heart. For me the important part is what the shared meaning is between two prople. Society as a whole will label you without your input; they will refer to you with the terms that fit their image of you. It matters not to me what label is used as long at the person I am in relationship with joins me on common ground. "A rose by any other name..."
Ditto...I also think that it isn't so much a label issue as a communication issue - a shared vocabulary word that has meaning to start the dialogue - this is an exciting time and to ask even the question - Should I introduce you as my girlfriend? is saying more than just those words - it is also asking your general comfort level of can I share my excitement of the new "us" publicly - AHHH SPRINGTIME - Watch out for the bunnies and I am so glad things are going well.
I think it depends on what the label is, and who is making the comment. (May I introduce you as my Cuddlebunny, my Squeeze, Honey, Darlin' or Sweetheart?) The person making the comment and what they mean to you makes all the difference.
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