I ponder ideas on concepts constantly. What I have concluded as of late is this: Almost every word is relative to separate individuals. It really is tough when you are actually trying to interact with someone socially, and the communication isn’t even there. Sometimes I think it’s unintentional because we each derive a different meaning from different words. Nevertheless, it’s irritating. There are the common relative terms: beauty, strange, normal, large, small, hot, cold. Then there are other terms that so many people assume are the same for everyone, which they’re not. They aren’t black and white like they suggest.
For example.
Friend.
I’ve come to the conclusion that ‘friend’ is a word that many people perceive differently. My meaning of friendship could be varied from yours. I may take it more seriously, and you may take it as more innocent and casual. This is where a rift can be caused in communication. When I still used the term friend (I don’t anymore), I felt that who I considered friends I would give my life and dignity for, I am entirely glad it never came to that as it would have been a waste. I’ve witnessed from my own experience that I was nowhere near as important to them as they were to me. Ouch.
Trust.
This word I hold a special style of despise for. It has been used against me countless times, to make me feel low and guilty. Why? There were barriers of this ‘trust’ that I didn’t even know existed. ‘Morale’ differs from person to person. What one deems important could be nothing but garbage to their counterpart. Everybody has their own idea of trust, so it will be impossible to please everyone. You would be spreading yourself thin trying to do so, especially when you can’t read minds…
These are just two of the many I have in mind, have you noticed any relative terms of your own? Care to share?
-Xat Grey
Normal. I can’t stand when people use the word ‘normal’. I feel that the word ‘normal’ segregates people.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines normal as:
2 a: according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle
b: conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern
3: occurring naturally
4 a: of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development
b: free from mental disorder : sane
I think ‘Strange’ is one with whose meaning varies from person to person. I mean, to most people I know, ‘Strange’ would be the music I listen to, and any philosophy that differs from ‘If you don’t have X bag and Y lipgloss you are inferior to society’. Whereas to me, strange would define their complete obsession with social standing and fitting in exactly even if it means losing themselves.
Another word that gets in the way because of its difference is Love. Because some throw it away in everyday conversation when talking about boys they’re with for the sake of social climbing. To them, Love is a convenience. To others, love is something big, to be used sparingly, and incredibly hard to attain.
Other words? Happiness perhaps? In fact the only word I can think of that would mean the same to everyone is fear. I do agree with the words you thought of yourself. Very interesting.
Thank you, and I do agree with what you said. I especially agree on ‘happiness,’ in my opinion one cannot be truly happy all of the time and it takes something rather large to make it happen, while others find happiness around every corner it seems.
Thank you too, I found this very interesting. it’s something I’ve thought about a lot before, but never could put into words, if that makes sense?
Of course it makes sense. Happens all the time.