Definitions

How do you define ________? Then ask around, and look at how your perception of words differ from others. No one in essence is right or wrong because our ideas on the definitions of any word are shaped by our own personal experiences. If your interpretation of a word is in contrast with someone else's interpretation, then conflict may transpire. One man's neat is another man's sloppy. One man's quiet is another man's loud, and so on.

Love is a highly volatile word and emotion with as many different interpretations as there are people. Some people believe in "everlasting love", others believe in "love in the moment" and some have no idea or experience to stem off to even develop a definition. That's why this word can bring about many problems in relationships. When someone says, "I love you" depending on your definition of the word, certain expectations are conceived. With expectations -- disappointment sometime follows, and with disappointment -- resentment may arise. If expectations are surpassed, then the total opposite can happen. The only bad side about expectations that are met or eclipsed is that the bar will rise, and what was breathtaking before may become ordinary and mundane.

I find that gender plays a significant part in how one interprets "love". Men and women are not the same emotionally. Men and women respond to pain and excitement differently, and what stimulates those emotions differ as well. Simple test, ask a man and woman what actions they would expect from someone who loves them. Men and women answers will differ, but males will be pretty similar to other males and females to other females.

I guess the obvious thing to take away from post is: Know you partner's definition of love.

Or you can be like me and stay as far away from the word as possible. lol

- TheMadMusician