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Feelings & Needs

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The following are words we use when we want to express a combination of emotional states and physical sensations. This list is neither exhaustive nor definitive. It is meant as a starting place to support anyone who wishes to engage in a process of deepening self-discovery and to facilitate greater understanding and connection between people. There are two parts to this list: feelings we may have when our needs are being met and feelings we may have when our needs are not being met.

Feelings when your needs are satisfied

  • AFFECTIONATE, compassionate, friendly, loving, open hearted, sympathetic, tender, warm
  • CONFIDENT, empowered, open, proud, safe, secure
  • ENGAGED, absorbed, alert, curious, engrossed, enchanted, entranced, fascinated, interested, intrigued, involved, spellbound, stimulated
  • INSPIREDamazed, awed, wonder
  • EXCITEDamazed, animated, ardent, aroused, astonished, dazzled, eager, energetic, enthusiastic, giddy, invigorated, lively, passionate, surprised, vibrant
  • EXHILARATED, blissful, ecstatic, elated, enthralled, exuberant, radiant, rapturous, thrilled
  • GRATEFUL, appreciative, moved, thankful, touched
  • HOPEFUL , expectant, encouraged, optimistic
  • JOYFUL, amused, delighted, glad, happy, jubilant, pleased, tickled
  • PEACEFUL, calm, clear headed, comfortable, centered, content, equanimous, fulfilled, mellow, quiet, relaxed, relieved, satisfied, serene, still, tranquil, trusting
  • REFRESHED, enlivened, rejuvenated, renewed, rested, restored, revived

Feelings when your needs are not satisfied

  • AFRAID, apprehensive, dread, foreboding, frightened, mistrustful, panicked, petrified, scared, suspicious, terrified, wary, worried
  • ANNOYED, aggravated, dismayed, disgruntled, displeased, exasperated, frustrated, impatient, irritated, irked
  • ANGRY, enraged, furious, incensed, indignant, irate, livid, outraged, resentful
  • AVERSION, animosity, appalled, contempt, disgusted, dislike, hate, horrified, hostile, repulsed
  • CONFUSED, ambivalent, baffled, bewildered, dazed, hesitant, lost, mystified, perplexed, puzzled, torn
  • DISCONNECTED, alienated, aloof, apathetic, bored, cold, detached, distant, distracted, indifferent, numb, removed, uninterested, withdrawn
  • DISQUIET, agitated, alarmed, discombobulated, disconcerted, disturbed, perturbed, rattled, restless, shocked, startled, surprised, troubled, turbulent, turmoil, uncomfortable, uneasy, unnerved, unsettled, upset
  • EMBARRASSED, ashamed, chagrined, flustered, guilty, mortified, self-conscious
  • FATIGUE, beat, burnt out, depleted, exhausted, lethargic, listless, sleepy, tired, weary, worn out
  • PAIN, agony, anguished, bereaved, devastated, grief, heartbroken, hurt, lonely, miserable, regretful, remorseful
  • SAD, depressed, dejected, despair, despondent, disappointed, discouraged, disheartened, forlorn, gloomy, heavy hearted, hopeless, melancholy, unhappy, wretched
  • TENSE, anxious, cranky, distressed, distraught, edgy, fidgety, frazzled, irritable, jittery, nervous, overwhelmed, restless, stressed out
  • VULNERABLE, fragile, guarded, helpless, insecure, leery, reserved, sensitive, shaky
  • YEARNING, envious, jealous, longing, nostalgic, pining, wistful
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