What is delicacy: the definition

What is delicacy? Many classical literature tried to answer this question. Balzac, for example, called mental delicacy the manifestation of true virtue. But Hegel wrote: "The manifestation of delicacy - in the absence of actions and words that run counter to the surrounding conditions."

In psychology, so called the quality of the individual, in which a person is able to artfully avoid unpleasant situations in communicating with other people, feeling thinly their current state and mood.

Delicacy in the modern world

Delicacy is a very valuable quality, and not everyone has such a fine character trait. It is difficult sometimes not to touch unpleasant memories, not to let the interlocutor feel awkwardness, to understand not by words, but even by intonation, that something is not in order.

Imagine a banal household situation. A big company is going to have a picnic at the dacha in honor of the owner's birthday. Fire, brazier, barbecue ... suddenly smoke from the fire gets into the eyes of one girl, they begin to water, and she has to run to the bathroom to wash. When she finally returns, without make-up it's so hard to know that the whole company keeps a dead silence. And only the birthday man says: "Oh, and you, it turns out, so beautiful!"

Definition of term

The word itself comes from the Latin delicatus, that is, "sensitive, delicate, refined." In this term, a careful and sensitive attitude to other people is laid, which requires and corresponding with them behavior.

To show sensitivity is to show oneself as a polite and gentle person in communication, to be preventive and benevolent to another, although it may be that you also have your own vision of the situation.

On the question of what is delicacy, you can answer that this is the most subtle sense of personality. In the ability to capture the smallest nuances of mood, the features of human nature, she simply has no equal. However, it is not enough to reveal the uniqueness of the interlocutor - one must also be able to reckon with it, treating with understanding and respect for his nature.

Delicacy: synonyms and antonyms

Tactfulness and delicacy are practically synonymous, but nevertheless there are differences between them. Delicacy is a softer and restrained manifestation of tact, excluding an open and completely sincere answer. It often manifests an analytical side of the human nature, which requires time to think. Delicate people are strategists by nature, carefully weighing every word with the mind and soul before expressing their opinion. This, of course, is the positive property of their character, internal strength and potential.

Another difference: tact is a quality acquired, it can be learned. Delicacy, however, scientists consider a hereditary trait of the nature inherent in genes. It is either inherent in a person or not, and there's nothing to be done about it.

By the way, the opposite of tactfulness is tactlessness. And which antonym to the word "delicacy"? Rudeness or rudeness. As you can see, to be tactless and to be an outspokenly rude person are completely different things.

How does "delicacy" get along with other traits of character?

Talking about what is delicacy, we can not fail to mention its combination with other qualities. Since this feature is positive, the delicate person is generally kind and gentle. In very rare cases, delicacy can be on the side of vices to help achieve what is desired.

For example, in the aspiration to possess any material good, even a sharp and unrestrained person can show delicacy. Then he will have more chances to establish relations with colleagues and superiors, to advance in the service and to earn more money to achieve his dream.

However, greed and selfishness are not the best "neighbors" of delicacy. After all, it is aimed primarily at attention to the desires and needs of another person, sincere care for him. And the hard-core egoist has no time to think about others.

Delicacy manifestations

A person, in the nature of which politeness and delicacy are laid down, will become a pleasant interlocutor and will easily acquire sincere friends. After all, he:

• He is noble, but he does not shout about it at every corner;
• Do not use effective phrases and do not waste words in vain;
• Is able to discuss tactfully even the most intimate spheres of communication, without touching the feelings of others;
• Knows how to behave and be "in place" in any company and in any situation;
• Successfully solves sensitive issues with wisdom, often striking others.

Delicacy can be called the perception of the situation at the most subtle level and, in accordance with this, building your own manner of communication. In many cases, the best way to solve any problem is precisely the manifestation of delicacy.

Evade the problem or directly look into her eyes?

As a rule, delicate people do not give a direct answer to a specific unpleasant question. They try, without an urgent need, not to touch upon such topics and not to generate negative memories. However, if you really can not do without this, "corner" is also not hammered, but boldly meet the situation.

As a rule, we are not annoyed at the very unpleasant situation, but how we are presented to it. Even the most tranquil conversation in the presence of a person with a sick ego as your interlocutor can turn into a quarrel and an open confrontation. Delicacy, however, devoid of selfishness, delivers a sensitive question so that the interlocutor feels himself as comfortable as possible. Agree, when everything in the opponent says about his friendliness, friendliness and desire to help, you are ready to listen to any unpleasant arguments.

Delicacy - not cowardice and not weak character

Many are mistaken in the question of what delicacy is. Its definition is such that people sometimes interpret this concept as the lot of weak personalities who do not know how to defend their point of view in a dispute and mindlessly agreeing with an opponent. This may be true, but only in weakly characteristic natures. A strong person can afford to show sensitivity - and this only emphasizes the strength of her character, will strengthen the perseverance of the will.

True delicacy and courage are not manifested in the ability to prove with their mouths at the righteousness and strike a sharp blow to the "sore spot" when the person least expects it. By no means. A truly delicate interlocutor will try with all his might to avoid a senseless quarrel, to get away from the conflict situation and not to harm other people. Is not this the true manifestation of the strength and courage of the spirit?

About what delicacy is, in what it manifests itself and with what qualities of character it is related, you can talk for hours. Even more time can be spent trying to comprehend this subtle "science". Although, as you already know, delicacy is an inborn quality, not acquired. Let on your life path meet as many such people!