Relationships often suffer from too many rules.
But in reality, relationships aren’t one-size-fits-all.
This reality leads some people to prefer being in relationships without labels.
But that might not exactly be a solution to the problem of suffocating norms.
What is a relationship without labels?
(Here’s afull guideto the most commonly used ones.)
“While labels can be helpful, they are not necessary to co-create a satisfying relationship.
Sometimes the pressure to live up to a certain set of behaviors keeps people from relationship labels.
A relationship without labels vs. a relationship without commitment.
But having words to describe your relationship is simply aboutclarity, not commitment.
Having a label is not the same as having commitment.
Is labeling your relationship a good idea?
Yes, according to Tubbs.
As far as she’s concerned, the lack of clarity causes more harm than good.
“Labels should be put on the relationship from the beginning,” Tubbs tells mbg.
“Are we just friends?
Are we friends who do a little bit more on the side?
Are we dating exclusively or non-exclusively?
Labels are helpful heuristics (mental shortcuts) for describing or communicating about a relationship,” she explains.
