Define “Regularly”: Seriously, What Does It Mean?

This is yet another pattern I’ve come across while sitting in the therapist chair.

“How often would you say you exercise?”

“Regularly,” they both respond.

“Okay, so how many times a week is that for you (insert name here)?”

“About 2–3 times a week,” she replies.

“And that’s 4–5 times for me,” he states.

Same word…two very different definitions.

Think about how often this word is not only used, but being misinterpreted.

Here’s another example: To her, they have sex “regularly” — although for him it does not seem like enough. Yet they are both still using the same word to describe frequency.

Taking that extra moment to define your words — in your own personal dictionary — could save you quite the mix up and spare some frustration.