I've been thinking a lot about identity and labels lately. I’ve always felt a bit squirmy when people ask me to define my sexuality or orientation because none of the usual labels seem to fit perfectly. Sometimes I feel attracted to people regardless of gender, but other times I notice a stronger pull toward one gender over another. It’s confusing, and I worry that if I pick a label, I might be boxing myself in or missing parts of my experience.

What’s been helping me is trying to focus less on the label itself and more on how I feel in the moment or with specific people. It’s like, intimacy and connection don’t always follow neat categories. But I still wonder if having a label might help me feel more understood or connected to others who share similar experiences.

Has anyone else struggled with this? How do you balance the freedom of being label-free with the comfort or community a label might bring? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you or any advice on embracing the ambiguity without feeling lost.

What you’re describing really resonates with me — the feeling that labels can sometimes feel more like a cage than a comfort. I’ve found that allowing myself to sit with the fluidity of my attractions without rushing to define them has been freeing. Like you said, intimacy and connection don’t always fit into neat boxes, and that’s okay. Sometimes I use a label just as a shorthand to help others understand me, but internally I hold space for all the nuances and shifts.

It’s also true that labels can create community and a sense of belonging, which is powerful. Maybe it’s less about choosing one label forever and more about embracing the idea that your identity can evolve or even exist outside of labels. You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way, and it’s perfectly valid to explore at your own pace without pressure.