I guess it depends on the people. Our little group are quite open with each other and she means it in an affectionate way.

We met in an unexpected way but we have the same taste in music, we nerd out on electronics together, we enjoy the same activities out, we both try to be vegan and cook together. We also have similar views on openness in relationships so we kiss, cuddle, and hold hands. Her partner who is also in this group enjoys seeing us enioy each other. It honestly seems like her way of including me in this lesbian group and means no harm.

She knows how little names and labels means to me. They all do. I've been called everything from gay to princess and never bothered to correct anyone. Because I do more than I say, people will abruptly find out how I'm not as easily definable as they thought and it always has some widely different but interesting results.

My other friend thinks it's cute and enjoys seeing me happy, considering how we both went through some dark times together. We both sort of trauma bonded over how men mistreated the both of us in our own ways.

It's confusing because I spent most of my life being bullied by men and I would have never expected this situation I'm currently in to have ever happened. These are people who not only accept me but are genuinely happy that I am who I am and never broke my ethics or values because of how I was mistreated by my family or by so many men.

I've met people like this before but that was always when I traveled. Those relationships come and go quickly. This is the first time where it's lasted longer than a couple weeks or a few months.