Brody Jenner & Avril Lavigne

"That is the most random relationship ever."

When you're on the receiving end of that line, how do you respond?

Maybe, "Thanks, I appreciate your vote of confidence."

Sure, your relationship could be called something worse than "random." But still, the label isn't exactly an endorsement for your romantic future.

I thought about it after reading recent online chatter about a rumored romantic relationship between singer Avril Lavigne and "Hills" star Brody Jenner.

Same goes for my reaction to gossip about a tryst between Jessica Simpson and Billy Corgan.

The "random" label isn't confined to celebrity ties. Many real-life relationships get the dubious distinction, a result of everything from an age gap to seemingly insurmountable lifestyle differences.

With bright eyes and a smile, you tell your best friend you've changed your romantic status. Her enthusiastic response: "That is so random."

It's not necessarily reassuring, but randomness doesn't doom a relationship.

Right?