So the other day I was thinking about some of my past relationships and trying to figure out why some of them lasted and why some of them NOSE DIVED! I ended up becoming of the opinion that the success of my relationships were somewhat dependant on whether or not the relationship involved Titles!

Now when I talk about the “Title” I am referring to that status we get from being officially crowned the “Girlfriend,” Boyfriend,” “Wifey” or even “Fcuk Buddy” or “Side Chick.” Now I’m not too sure why someone would officially want to be known as the “side chick” but I have heard a few girls refer to themselves as such, and they appeared to be happy with their title so I’m not going to knock it.

You see my question is: Does putting a “Title” on a relationship tend to improve a relationship and satisfy the parties involved, or does it tend to be damaging?

I believe that in some circumstances a “Title” can improve the quality of a relationship. It gives both parties a clear sense of their role, for example if I’m your “Girlfriend” there is somewhat an obligation to be there for you through emotional hardship, financial instability and to cater to your physical needs. Being the “Boyfriend” implies that you will protect, look after and spoil your girl like the princess she is….. Am I bugging or does that sound about right?

The point is that having a “Title” tends to draw the boundaries of the relationship more clearly. If you asked me to be your “Wifey” and I fluttered my eyelashes, got butterflies and said “Yes” with the upmost satisfaction, one can assume that NEITHER party is entitled to “see other people.” The relationship has become EXCLUSIVE! This being fine and dandy there is obviously a downside to putting a “Title” on it….

The downside mi amours is that if your do slip up and kiss another guy/girl or start talking to other guys/girls you are almost in BREACH of a contract! Ok maybe that’s a bit dramatic… (that’s my law side coming out ) but I feel like if you say I am your girl and then you go fool around with a next girl, you kind of broke the inherent promise that you would not do such a thing, until the relationship became officially over…. Am I right or am I speaking a different language at this point?

Simply put, a “Title” creates responsibilities and obligations on the parties to the relationship, which can result in either one person, or both people, feeling pressure to conform to the social standards imposed by their “Title.” The problem being that sometimes it can all get a little too much, a little too quickly.

You feel like you are suddenly in a serious relationship and your ability to have fun and just enjoy your life has been taken away … You go to a party and feel the need to tell every guy/girl that tries to dance with you that you are “in a relationship” and you begin to wonder whether it’s all really worth it. Even worse, you end up arguing with the person you are in a relationship with because you feel they are not meeting your STANDARD, when it comes to being a good “Boyfriend” or “Girlfriend.”

Now I am not ashamed to say that I personally made it my duty to moan at my exes when they didn’t take me out enough, or didn’t call often enough, or didn’t make enough time for me, purely because I was under the impression that these were things he SHOULD do…. because he was SUPPOSED to be my Boyfriend! Sound familiar to anyone? …. You know you’ve done it!

Anyhu, I just find that so many girls and guys often want that “Title” and when they get it, it can cause what would have been a perfectly long lasting relationship, to deteriorate rapidly ….. resulting in a swift BREAK UP!

Mi amours, I would like to know whether you think having a “Title” is important to having a meaningful relationship? or whether it is better to just take it day by day, without officially being the “Girlfriend,” “Boyfriend” or “Wifey” etc?