Basic. Emo. Shy. Annoying. Retard. Slut.

Labels can hurt and are most of the time preconceived based on a few interactions you've had with the said person. One interaction you have with a person can sway your opinion about them either in the right or wrong direction.

1. We shouldn't label people "basic".

I have been called basic numerous times. I have blonde hair, I'm white, I enjoy coffee, I wear Lilly Pulitzer and I wear Jack Rogers so; I'm considered basic. Basic is the most generic of these labels. I like what I like and that doesn't define me.

2. We shouldn't label people "emo".

That person who wears dark clothing and keeps to themselves? That "emo" person? Do you know what they've been through? Do you think that maybe they're uncomfortable with their body so they wear all black? Or that maybe they're quiet because their social skills aren't all that great because no one talks to them?

3. We shouldn't label people "shy".

This shy person may have severe anxiety that no one knows about. This shy person may have been hurt before by people and they're scared to open up. Don't criticize them for putting their guard up and for being safe.

4. We shouldn't label people "annoying".

That annoying person may not have gotten any attention as a child or feel like if they're not up to par with their social skills they may not have any friends. Although they may seem annoying, that could just be them trying to impress you or get you to like them because they're a little insecure. You really never know.

5. We shouldn't label people "retarded".

First of all, retarded is just politically incorrect and should never be used. Second of all, it is very offensive. Even if you're not referring to someone with a mental disability and using it in a joking way, imagine being right beside someone who does have a mental disability and them hearing you say that.

6. We shouldn't label people with "slut".

You don't know what goes through peoples heads. This said "slut" might feel like they need that attention they get from someone or they're not that sleep-around person you've been told they are. They're probably rumors.

The bottom line is that labels hurt. Labels are ridiculous. Labels can kill; literally. Those words hurt and labeling the wrong person can be fatal to them. Being called "basic" for the majority of my teenage years has shown me that although "basic" isn't the worst thing a girl can be called; it's still a label and labels don't define me.