When you've agreed on what you're doing with each other, you can both stop having to dance around the unspoken truth and simply enjoy the relationship for whatever it is. "Labeling can be a helpful way for people to begin to clarify, change, or negotiate the terms of their relationship," Francis tells mbg.

Do labels matter in relationships?

Labels aren't inherently good or bad, but they are inherently personal, so make sure you spend some time figuring out what you want out of your relationship—no matter what kind it is—so everyone can get their needs met.

When should you label relationships?

According to a relationship expert, it's socially acceptable to broach the subject after two months. But some people will get to the stage earlier — it all depends how much time you're spending together, and how much of a good fit you are.