What Is Your Definition Of Love?

Sometimes certain words feel slippery. We think we understand them, then discover that others see them completely differently. This can leave us feeling a bit off-balance, wondering if we’re getting it right. In this week’s episode, we explored the surprising impact of definitions on how we experience the world—especially when talking about that little word with huge power: love.

We looked at why the way we define key terms might not match “common sense” or the words in the dictionary. We also spent some time diving into love and how expectations and social norms can create confusion. When we see a word through a lens shaped by dyslexia or ADHD, things can get even more interesting.

Rethinking Definitions

Have you ever double-checked a word’s meaning, only to find it didn’t quite fit the way you’ve been using it? This happens more often than we realise. Our unique brains can superimpose personal experiences on words. When that happens, we’re left with definitions that are unique to our own worlds.

For instance, love might be wrapped up with memories of home, a favourite childhood moment, or even a sense of belonging. Though it sounds poetic, it can also create miscommunications with people who don’t share our exact experiences.

The Hidden Power of Words

Definitions shape our outlook. If you’ve defined “success” to mean anything short of perfect results is a failure, you’ll keep tripping over self-criticism. Apply that to love, and we can get stuck chasing an idealised, flawless version of relationships. It’s tough enough when your neurodiversity already makes you question your perceptions.

We talked about how these hidden powers of words can be liberating once you see them for what they are. Shining a light on those definitions brings clarity. It’s a kind of reality check that allows us to pause and say, “Wait, is that really the only meaning?”

“We don’t always notice it, but the definitions for words have a game changing impact in how we see ourselves.”

Navigating Love in Our Own Way

Love gets complicated fast, because everyone grows up with their own idea of it. Some define it by grand gestures like roses and chocolates. Others see it as daily acts of kindness. Many of us struggle with believing we’re loved if we can’t match society’s typical blueprint.

One insight from the episode was the importance of checking our definitions with people close to us. Are we expecting them to read our minds? Are we inadvertently imposing a standard that doesn’t reflect who they are? Recognising our own version of love is important, but we also need to be open to how others see it.

Here are a few ways to start opening that conversation:

• Explain where your definition comes from. (Childhood experiences, personal beliefs, etc.)
• Ask open-ended questions: “What does love feel like to you?”
• Compare notes and find a middle ground that feels right for both people.

Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

Dyslexia and ADHD often lead us to find our own routes in life. We’re good at noticing patterns others miss, which means we can also see love in corners the mainstream might overlook. Sometimes that can be found in a gentle gesture, a patient mentor, or even the random conversation that shows you kindness still exists.

We also chatted about how love doesn’t have to be romantic. It can be the feeling of acceptance from a friend or a spark of happiness when someone acknowledges your unique gifts. By broadening our definitions, we open ourselves to discovering love in all its forms.

Staying Curious About Your Own Definitions

There’s power in staying curious. Instead of assuming your definitions are carved in stone, ask questions. Try comparing your understanding with the more general or dictionary definitions. Notice what’s the same and what’s different. That gap is often where new insights live.

If you discover your definitions are more personal than the mainstream, that’s OK. We’re all shaped by different upbringings, cultures, and ways our brains work. The key is to recognise that mismatch before it morphs into conflict or confusion. Give voice to your point of view, and be open to hearing others’ perspectives.

Some people like to keep a little “definition diary.” They pick a word each week—like love, success, or freedom—and note down what it means to them. Then they look it up in a dictionary or chat with friends to see how it differs. The process sounds simple, but it can expand your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

• Identify words that feel loaded, like “relationship” or “value.”
• Write a quick personal definition. Keep it short and genuine.
• Compare with an official definition or someone else’s view.
• Notice any overlap or big differences.
• Reflect on how this shapes your day-to-day interactions.

By doing this, we can become more mindful of how words direct our thoughts and emotions, especially when it comes to love.

• Definition re-checks can prevent misunderstandings.
• A flexible mindset helps us learn and grow.
• Understanding love’s variety empowers connection.

We talked at length about these ideas in the podcast. If you’re curious about how this plays out in real-life stories or want to pick up practical tips, the episode captures it all.

Key Takeaways

• Our definitions are shaped by experiences, not just dictionaries.
• Words define how we see ourselves and our relationships.
• Love is varied, and its meaning can shift from person to person.
• Staying curious about words encourages deeper connections.
• Sharing our personal definitions builds understanding and empathy.

If you’d like to hear the full conversation, the audio for this episode is at the top of this page. It’s a deep dive into how we can reframe words to serve us better, and how love defined on our own terms can be a game changer.