labels. let's talk about labels.

to be honest, i totally wish i was one of those people who could let labels roll off their back with a simple, "ah, screw it. i don't care." however, that is not how the universe created me, and if you can relate, i want to let you know that it's ok.

insults mean nothing, that is, if you don't let them. words can kill, but only if you give them that power. love yourself. find ways to love yourself, and let nasty comments slide. if someone's words get to you, don't ignore it if you're hurting. cope with it. cry if you need to. write down exactly how they hurt you, confront your insecurity, wether it be new or old. know that you are worth so much more, and that insecurity doesn't make you.

all skin tones are beautiful. don't let anyone ever tell you they aren't, because i swear to god, dark skin takes my breath away. do you have a pale complexion? i dig that. somewhere in the wide spectrum in the middle? so cool! the list goes on and on and on. labels about your skin should not be meant in a way that is supposed to insult, so don't take that from anyone.

here's a label women in particular might hear a lot: slut. i just want to say that this is the grossest word i've ever heard. if a women has had several partners, wether they be casual or serious, sexual or nonsexual, long, or quick to end, that does not give you the right to call them out on it, because quite frankly, there's absolutely no need to. a women isn't going to stay with someone who isn't worth her time; she's going to find someone better. a woman isn't going to wear what you want them to if you think it's inappropriate, because as long as she thinks she's killing it, that's all that matters.

oh, and don't even get me started on the labels that the people in the lgbtq+ community face. some of them are practically forced to wear the labels given to them by other people, not themselves. never listen to any homophobic, transphobic, etc. slurs. they're downright hideous to hear come out of anyone's mouth, so don't listen. don't let hate win power over you. continue to label yourselves in the way that you feel comfortable with. label yourselves by who you are attracted to. label yourselves by the pronouns you prefer. ditch the toxic people, and don't let anyone force you to come out if you're not ready. i'm going to stop talking here, or else this could possibly turn into a ten hour rant.

the basic point is that labels don't, and won't define you if do don't allow them to.
you define you.