An adjective whose common use has always puzzled me is "touchy". The official definition states, "marked by readiness to take offense on slight provocation". Although I admit that this makes sense, I'm not convinced that it can be applied to all situations. In fact the provocation, although it may appear as 'slight', can have a profound impact on the person concerned. When a strong feeling, or concern, or desire is challenged, even belittled, the 'slight provocation' becomes a hard blow to the person's sensibility. And 'sensibility' doesn't only mean the readiness to get offended, as most people seem to believe. It also means "the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional influences". I believe there is a great differences between the two. By they way, are you 'touchy'?
No comments:
Post a Comment