Subtlety is possibly the worst invention in human discourse. Not because I think everything needs to be blatant and clearly visible to all, but because subtlety is often used as a way to make courage seem undignified. This occured to me while I was talking to a friend about relationships.
Here’s the definition of subtle:
“fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand”
And here’s how subtle is used, in human interactions:
“being intentionally unclear about a complex topic, to ensure you are not emotionally exposed”
Subtlety is literally about being a worse communicator. And people love to be subtle when they talk about feelings, about passions, about their own emotional growth and personal development.
Fuck subtle.
Be nuanced, be precise, be specific. Don’t hide behind being vague or difficult to perceive as a way of cultivating a reputation or an appreciation for your worldview.
And people, please: when trying to let someone into your life, and into your brain, don’t use subtlety as an excuse for refusing to be understood. You might be a prize, but that doesn’t mean you should be a puzzle beforehand.
