Definitions
I have a fantasful, wondertic boyfriend. We have a picture-perfect relationship (notwithstanding the fact that we have not one iota of photogenic-ness between us, but I am a metaphorical person). I live in mortal fear of the day when the fantasful wonderticness has to come to an end. In all probability it must, says my cynical and jaded self, and I do not want to have anything to do with it.
I have been reading a fascinating philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein. He writes that there is no exact definition for words such as "language" or "game" - there is no defining characteristic: if we look at all things we call "languages" or "games", there is no common characteristic, no particular feature in common. It is impossible to devise some definition of "game", for example, that will encompass everything that we know to be a game, and exclude everything that we know to be not. Not all games are amusing; not all games have rules; not all games involve bats and balls...nonetheless, we know what a game is.
Such nebulosity applies equally to relationships. Definitions, definitions. What do you call someone you hooked up with (hopefully not "a mistake")? When does one progress from "hooking up" to "in a relationship"? When is it all right to call someone "a girl/boyfriend"? And dear lord, what is that interim stage which, on very good authority, I have been informed is called "exclusive hooking-up"?
People are obsessed with definitions.
PS: Please do not infer that I have been engaging in said "hook ups". I have a fantasful, wondertic boyfriend. We have a picture-perfect relationship :)