Personally I used the old "write 'em a song and watch the reaction" - the old Somers FC when it was at the Somers saw it a few times and were as keen as I was at the reaction. But I doubt that was what you would call "sub title". There are similar ways - I had a story teller weave a long story and it was fairly obvious it was aimed at me - no script just from the heart. The listeners were enthralled - no shuffling of feet. I was going carefully at the time so it all fizzled out. Maybe a more public show (in the best possible taste)would move the message on.

Maybe remarks like "so much for the theory ........" and the "practical" implication may be obvious yet unstated.

Maybe enlist a friend to have the saying of it. A third party can be more direct.

How tactile is the relationship at this stage. Hand on elbow, arm shoulder - nothing too intrusive, just a short touch. Sort of polite entree.

These things can take a while - has he been hurt and too raw to risk rejection?

If it can be broached - the subject of how you will progress or pause on this journey, a sort of road map. Give him hope without risk, Ditto you.

Some men might be frightned of what they percieve as "pushy" - better with words and a bit of tactile and judge how he sees the pace of it.

What about the old film tactic. Talk to daughter/mother on the phone and say a few things that he could pick-up on, like "Can't talk now - got a date with a rather dishy hunk blah blah blah."

If all else fails, get him to register as a 'Catter and hope he reads this thread..................