Labels...

The world is filled with labels--food, clothing, cars, televisions, cigarettes...
The obvious labels are intended to inform, warn and brand. We label PEOPLE in the same manner.

The informational label goes something like this--You know, "She's the one that works for..." or "Her husband is..." and "He/She is ___ of company _____." We use these labels as if we are informing others that they should know the contents within the person. Just like a can of soup.

The warning label--like on a pack of cigarettes --"He's a player." and "She's high maintanence."  or as Carrie Underwood sings in Cowboy Casanova...you better take it from me...that boy is like a disease..he's like a curse he's like a drug...The big WARNING label!

The branding label--Calvin Klein, Lee, BMW, Lincoln, RCA --in some way translates into the financial status of the wearer or owner; or lack there of. One of my favorite is, "Champaigne taste on a beer budget."

Labeling places a preconceived notion in our mind of how we expect the individual to behave, look, emulate, or expectations that come with the label.

In the healthcare field we label those we care for innocently...the hip in room...the new leukemic...they do have birth names but some how their medical admission takes on their identity.

I'm trying to learn to just take people at face value. Learn to know them for the person they are and not the expectation that we place on them or they place on themselves.

I was reminded that I hadn't truly broken the habit of labeling -- I was out with someone that I met about a month or so ago. We have been out a few times, talk often, and seem to enjoy each others company (We haven't caused bodily harm to each other.) I asked the question, "What are we?"

I expected the usual response friends, girlfriend/boyfriend, friends with benefits, lovers...another label. I did not expect what I interpreted in the conversation.  There was no label. No pressure or expectation to live up to. No demands. Stated simply, "We Are"

Lesson Learned: Labels are meant for items not people.