I hate being labeled. I know that is cliche to say, but I am feeling especially rebelious against them lately. The one that is bugging me the most: vegetarian. I don't want to call myself one. Why is it that people feel they have to carefully clasify your personal decisions about the food you eat? Why do people feel they have the right to ask you about the reasons you made these decisions, and then argue with you?

Like other parts of my life, the reasons why I eat what I do are complicated and personal. I have rarely questioned other people when they said that they were vegetarian or vegan and non-beef-eaters or whatever, because I assumed that they had their reasons, and those reasons can't be explained in a single sentence. Also, what did it matter to me?

Other labels that I rebel against:

Writer: I don't like telling people that I am a writer because writing is such  a small part of what I do. I have one of those jobs that most people don't even realize exists. Even people in the software industry, who know that there are technical writers, don't really get what is involved in the job.

Girlfriend: Relationships are way too complicated and another one of those things were people feel they have a right to classify you and question you about something very personal. This was sort of annoying back when I was in a serious relationship, and more so now that I am not. (Related annoying question: "Is it serious?" What the hell does that even mean??)

Political and religious labels: Labels in the political and religious worlds are so loaded. People have such strong reactions if I say that I am a liberal or not a Christian or whatever. I like discussing the issues, but I try to avoid calling myself anything in particular.

It isn't that I don't want to talk about these aspects of my life. I am really open in general (why else would I have a blog?) and like talking about these things. But let's have these discussions for the sake talking and sharing, and not just to find out which catagory I fall into.