“So what are we?” is a question that gets asked a lot. We live in a society where two people could be doing everything that a couple does, but do not accept the label that they are in a “relationship.” 

Dating and being in an official relationship are different. Dating is obviously getting to know a person who can potentially be a significant other, and well, you guys already know what an official relationship is.

Nowadays, we have another phrase that we often use – “the talking stage,” which to me is no different than dating. To other people, however, “the talking stage” can mean something different.

Whatever dating or the talking stage means to you, labels shouldn’t be a big deal as long as both people are aware of what is happening.

If a person doesn’t want to put a label on whatever you guys have going on, then it shouldn’t be that big of a deal as long as you both are content with what you two have going on. Whether that be friends with benefits, dating, talking, etc.

Many individuals feel the need to put a label because maybe people around them may frown upon it and ask, “what are you guys?” This shouldn’t matter to other people, as long as you know where you stand with this person.

It truly doesn’t matter what other people think about what sort of relationship you have with someone. You should be able to express how you want to be with a person, especially if this particular person feels the same way.  

Picture this: you’re spending time with someone and you genuinely like them, you and that person don’t want to put a label on it, and you both are content with whatever you have going on. This is perfectly fine. If you don’t want a relationship, but want to continue seeing this person without a label, that’s okay.

People tend to shame individuals who choose not to put a label, but this shouldn’t have an effect on how you feel towards your relationship status with that person, as long as you both are on the same page.

Now here is where it gets tricky, let’s say you have a thing with an individual who is seeking a relationship with you, but you don’t want to put labels on it. The best thing to do in a situation like this is being honest. Tell this person how you feel instead of leading them on.

The last thing you want is to hurt someone.

Labels are not important. If you’re happy where you stand with a person, then it shouldn’t be a big deal.