Have we been taught the wrong definition of communication?

One day, my wife, Ruchi, had applied a light pink lipstick.

My then-4-year old daughter, Uzma, said, “Mummy, please apply a light lipstick.”

Ruchi smiled and explained, “This is a light shade.”

But Uzma shook her head:
“No, this is dark. Please apply a light one.”

This argument went on and on.
Until it struck us.

For Uzma, light meant brightness.
Dark meant dim.

So in her world, “light lipstick” meant something bright and popping,
while “dark lipstick” meant dull and faint.

Same words. Different meanings.

And I realised, that’s what happens to us in life!

Two people using the same language.
But picturing two very different things.

Because each person is carrying a different dictionary in their head.

That moment was a reminder:

Most misunderstandings don’t happen because of what’s said.
They come from what’s understood.

Real communication isn’t just speaking clearly.
It’s making sure the meaning is shared.

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