Dating Labels

Dating labels....

If you agree to be "exclusive" and only date one person....does that make that person your "boyfriend" or "girlfriend"?

I see it this way...what's holding the two of you together? That boyfriend/girlfriend label.

That might seem silly, but think back to the "Friends" episode when Ross and Rachel were on a "break".

When you're married, it's your marriage vows (and the wedding bands).

Being exclusive is a commitment....not necessarily a "lets get married" kind of thing. But it is a commitment to that other person to only be with them.

How can someone be so selfish to say, "You can't date anyone else, but I don't want to call you my girlfriend/boyfriend"?

Really....what's the big deal?

I realize it's just a "title", but often times that can bring comfort, trust and confidence to the relationship. The other person doesn't have to worry about the other person dating someone else if there's a label on the relationship.

To some people, the whole label thing doesn't matter.

Maybe putting a label on a relationship seems too "territorial", but if someone is saying, "hey, I don't want you dating anyone but me", well...that person has already made it territorial.

If a couple decides that they are OK with this dating "arrangement", then fine, but be sure to always communicate what you want and expect out of the relationship.

That's another label..."couple".

If you're exclusive, but not calling each other boyfriend/girlfriend....does that mean you're not a "couple"?

How do you introduce that person?

Speaking of introductions....

What if that person you're exclusive with, wants to meet your friends? your family?

To me, only a boyfriend who I'm in a serious relationship gets to meet my family.

That's a whole other blog post...