Often times, even as adults, it is easy to default to simple words to explain complex emotions. Go-to emotion words may include sad, mad, happy, excited, upset, angry, etc. We can explain our emotions better to ourselves and others if we expand our emotional vocabulary. Keep these two lists handy and refer to them frequently as you continue to add emotional words to your vocabulary.
Feelings When Your Needs are Satisfied
acceptanceaffectionappreciation
belonging
cooperation
communication
closeness
community
companionship
compassion
consideration
consistency
empathy
inclusion
intimacy
love
nurturing
respect
self-respect
safety
security
stability
support
trust
warmth
HONESTY
authenticity
integrity
presence
CONFIDENT
empowered
open
proud
safe
secure
PEACE
beauty
communion
ease
equality
harmony
inspiration
order
MEANING
awareness
celebration of life
clarity
competence
consciousness
contribution
creativity
discovery
efficacy
effectiveness
growth
hope
learning
mourning
participation
AFFECTIONATE
compassionate
friendly
loving
open hearted
sympathetic
tender
warm
JOYFUL
amused
delighted
glad
happy
jubilant
pleased
tickled
ENGAGED
absorbed
alert
curious
engrossed
enchanted
entranced
fascinated
interested
intrigued
involved
spellbound
stimulated
INSPIRED
amazed
awed
wonder
EXCITEDamazed
animated
ardent
aroused
astonished
dazzled
eager
energetic
enthusiastic
giddy
invigorated
lively
passionate
surprised
vibrant
AUTONOMY
choice
freedom
independence
space
spontaneity
EXHILARATED
blissful
ecstatic
elated
enthralled
exuberant
radiant
rapturous
thrilled
GRATEFUL
appreciative
moved
thankful
touched
REFRESHED
enlivened
rejuvenated
renewed
rested
restored
revived
purpose
self-expression
stimulation
to matter
understanding
PEACEFUL
calm
clear headed
comfortable
centered
content
unanimous
fulfilled
mellow
quiet
relaxed
relieved
satisfied
serene
still
tranquil
trusting
HOPEFUL
expectant
encouraged
Optimistic
Feelings When Your Needs are Not Satisfied
AFRAIDapprehensive
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
started
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
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
