Foucault, when speaking about identity politics, argued that, while identities can be useful (politically), they're also limiting, and organizing around identities has its dangers. One of those pertinent to this discussion is the tendency to conform one's behavior to one's identity. The shrinks call it self-fulfilling prophecy.


I can count on one hand the number of people I've related to, and most of my thoughts, behaviors and emotional states were mostly a mystery to me and to anyone with whom I shared my true feelings. Until a shrink suggested a certain label. And yeah, it certainly helped me understand myself, so I get wanting to know. On the other hand, if we become too enamored with a label, we may lose ourselves. There were times when I would question whether my thoughts or behaviors were simply my way of expressing myself or were a result of a personality disorder. After a certain point, I stopped caring. It can be a helpful guideline, but it won't tell you who you are.