ADORATION DEFINITION: The act of worship; to view as divine NOTES:The subject of adoration can be a person or thing PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Lips parting A slack or soft expression Walking quickly to erase the distance Mirroring the subject’s body language Touching one’s mouth or face Reaching out to brush, touch, or grasp Steady eye contact, with the pupils appearing larger Leaning forward Stroking one’s own neck or arm as a surrogate Pointing one’s torso and feet toward the subject; having an open body posture A flushed appearance or radiant glow Inhaling deeply—anchoring oneself in the moment and taking in the scent of the subject Nodding and smiling while the subject speaks Releasing an appreciative sigh Laying a hand over the heart Frequently moistening the lips Pressing the palms lightly against the cheeks Skimming one’s fingertips along the jaw line Eyes that are bright and glossy Showing agreement (murmuring affirmations, offering words of support, etc.) Speaking praise and compliments Keeping trinkets, pictures, or articles that one associates with the subject Constantly talking about the subject to others Displaying rapt attention (a lifted chin, body stillness, good posture, etc.) Losing awareness of the external environment or other people Visible shakiness Reduced blinking Closing the eyes to savor the experience Speaking with a soft tone A voice that cracks with emotion INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A quickening heartbeat Breathlessness Feeling one’s pulse in the throat Having a dry mouth One’s throat growing thick Growing warmer as one’s body temperature rises Tingling nerve endings MENTAL RESPONSES: A desire to move closer or touch Fixating one’s thoughts on the subject Acute listening and observation Ignoring distractions An inability to see the subject’s flaws or faults ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Obsession or possessiveness Fantasizing Believing that the feelings are mutual A sense of destiny (of belonging together) Stalking Writing and sending letters, email, and gifts Taking risks or breaking laws to be near or with the subject Weight loss Poor sleep patterns Jealousy towards those who frequently interact with the subject Taking on traits or mannerisms of the subject Carrying something that represents the subject (a picture, jewelry, etc.) SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Clenching or hiding one’s hands to hide sweating or shaking Avoiding conversations about the subject Watching or observing from afar Staying out of the subject’s proximity Blushing An unsteady voice Sneaking looks at the subject Creating chance run-ins Writing secret letters, keeping a personal journal, etc. Lying about one’s feelings regarding the subject MAY ESCALATE TO:Love,Obsessed,Desire,Frustration,Hurt MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Conflicted,Disappointment,Embarrassment ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Adore, awe, covet, crave enchant, enthrall, grasp, idolize infatuate, need, obsess, pine reach, spellbind, stroke, tease touch, worship, yearn WRITER’S TIP:Body cues should create a strong mental picture. If the movement is too drawn-out or complicated, the emotional meaning behind the gesture may be lost.