[Twosugars]

I'm keeping an open mind on the whole thing
doesn't bother me how people want to id themselves

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Twosugars

I'm keeping an open mind on the whole thing
doesn't bother me how people want to id themselves

It doesn't bother me HOW people ID themselves but I do think the underlying reasons for WHY people are so desperate to categorise, label and group above and beyond a simple acceptance of individual differences are important. It's (arguably, and in my belief) far healthier to be able to say "I am what I am, get to know me as an individual", than "I am what I am... AND WHAT I AM IS A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H... oh and I/J/K and thinking about K".

Humans are predisposed to grouping and categorising for cognitive and linguistic purposes, that much is true. But when it comes to interpersonal relationships (be that with family, friends, potential partners or total strangers) I don't think it's ever particularly helpful or accurate.

[Twosugars]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

It doesn't bother me HOW people ID themselves but I do think the underlying reasons for WHY people are so desperate to categorise, label and group above and beyond a simple acceptance of individual differences are important. It's (arguably, and in my belief) far healthier to be able to say "I am what I am, get to know me as an individual", than "I am what I am... AND WHAT I AM IS A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H... oh and I/J/K and thinking about K".

Humans are predisposed to grouping and categorising for cognitive and linguistic purposes, that much is true. But when it comes to interpersonal relationships (be that with family, friends, potential partners or total strangers) I don't think it's ever particularly helpful or accurate.

of course, but I suppose it's so convenient, a shortcut: I'm A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H... rather than: well, it's complicated, let's sit down and I will tell you how it is...