Why I Try Hard Not to Label People

Every personality test I've ever taken has put me right smack dab in the middle of the extremes for which they were testing - balanced in the middle of all the options. I have been told that I defy stereotypes - and that drives some people nuts. They think they have me figured out, and then I hit them with an opinion that they don't expect and have a hard time reconciling with the other opinions I've shared with them. I live a VERY "conservative" life - the classic, stereotypical Mormon in every observable way - including my callings; many of my political beliefs, however, are quite moderate - and some of them are extremely liberal. (You should hear some of the discussions I have about gay rights and abortion. They're downright funny if you look at them as an exercise in understanding and shattering expectations.)

It can be frustrating to fight others' efforts to find a label that fits me, but, personally, I like "perplexing". *grin*

This is the biggest reason I try so hard not to label others. Rather, I try to remember that each person really is an individual - even those who generally espouse a party line and appear to be the easiest to stereotype.