Once, someone told me that I couldn't subtly manipulate my way out of a paper bag. I was at the same time offended and pleased. Offended, because he might be right, and pleased, because he was probably wrong.
I can be subtle. I can be very subtle. What I have trouble with, though, is a little subtle. At the time that comment was made, I could either be so subtle that you would have absolutely no idea, or so blatant that it was like hitting you with a large fish. Either way, extreme was the only way I knew how.
I've learned since then. I've learned the art of manipulation, the subtlety of word choice, of communication. I've learned nonverbal cues, to read and to project them. I've made a study of subtlety.
But sometimes, I still get it wrong. I try to be subtle, but to let someone know, and I end up overshooting. I try to give hints about something, but the hints are in code, or hidden inside other comments. I keep hinting and hinting, feeling like I'm practically giving them a sign, but that sign is in another language. And another room. In the dark.
Usually, this happens when I'm dealing with sex and potential partners. I don't like to be too blunt, and so I end up being too subtle. I aim for aloof, and I land on invisible.
It's distracting and disappointing.
And I'm doing it again. Look back at this post. What was I saying again?
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