Discomfort isn’t dangerous but avoiding it could be

Thought this was a helpful / insightful read applicable to all areas of life. 

In this piece, the author, Emma Wilkins explores the following ideas :

1. The Difference Between Honesty and Bravery

Being honest doesn’t necessarily make someone brave, and conflating the two can dilute the meaning of bravery. When we call honesty "bravery," we risk overinflating discomfort and making open, honest dialogue seem more daunting than it should be.

2. Concept Creep and the Expanding Definition of Harm

Nick Haslam’s idea of “concept creep” explains how the broadening of psychological terms (e.g., trauma, abuse, bullying) can have both positive and negative effects. While it helps call out harmful behaviour, it can also lead to excessive fragility, making people feel unsafe in situations where they are merely uncomfortable.

3. The Importance of Expanding Comfort Zones

Discomfort isn’t necessarily harm, and avoiding it entirely can make us less resilient. Growth, learning, and meaningful conversations require a willingness to sit with discomfort. If we focus only on comfort, we risk stagnation, whether in workplaces, schools, or broader society.

https://ethics.org.au/discomfort-isnt-dangerous-but-avoiding-it-could-be/