(Kim Jackson) - I was recently asked about my weekend and if I enjoyed myself. When I responded that my friend and I went to a sports bar; the inquirer (a man) wanted to know if she was single. When I stated that I didn’t think that he was ‘his’ type, I got the raised eyebrow and the Jedi stare. This was promptly followed with the usual, “Your friend, huh?”

This, of course, became a litany of other questions regarding what kind of friend this was. It’s truly amazing. As if two people that are trying to get to know each other don’t have enough to worry about; outsiders want to sprinkle a little bit complication on top with wanting you to label someone. I understand; I do. We are curious by nature. More than a few of us have experienced a burned finger from touching a hot stove or a burning bottom from reaching for one. But, what is this obsession with trying to label a person?

Yes, we have sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles…all appropriate labels. But, why can’t a friend be a ‘friend’? Why does anyone have to be a ‘special’ friend? Or a ‘friend’ friend? Think about it, when we were snot nosed wee ones running around on the playground; we played tag, kick ball, raced, and some of us even fought. But guess what? These were all our friends. That’s it. No special labels. Well, not until little Johnny pulled your ponytail and one of your friends became your best friend after she hit him for messing with you.

What if I happened to be one of those women that ‘needed’ to have a label? That conversation would have sent me running to my friend asking for one. And let’s face it. Doing this would have created a number of issues. And this is one of the biggest issues that two people trying to get to know each other face.

The reason that two people get together and go somewhere is to get to know each other. Moving too fast in any realm of this situation can and will cause problems. Labeling is just one of the facets of this. It’s truly simple; how can you label someone when you barely know them? You never know, you could come to learn something about this person that doesn’t sit well with the person that you are and vice versa. Then, the problem compounds because, you (mister or miss) antsy pants wanted to label someone.

So here’s a suggestion…like someone told me. Relax. Just continue to get to know each other and let everything take its course in its own time. And keep a few things in mind:

• If you are driving too fast in a car; you could get a speeding ticket.
• If you eat too fast; you could get indigestion.
• If you cook something too fast; you could end up with a dish that is cooked on the outside and not cooked on the inside.

And most importantly, if somebody comes to you asking about a label; remind them that we all have one…it’s called a government name.