BITTERNESS DEFINITION:Deep hostility and unhappiness caused by unfair treatment PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Snarky commentary designed to take away from someone else’s good mood Tilting the chin downward so one can look “down” on someone A pinched mouth and sour expression A direct stare that lacks warmth Speaking matter-of-factly A tightness in one’s eyes Looking upward and disparagingly shaking one’s head Taking offense easily A closed body posture (arms crossed in front of the chest, increased personal distance, etc.) Minimizing the accomplishments of others:That’s because her daddy’s well connected. Complaining constantly Sneering A set jaw Saying things likeThere’s nothing to forgivebut not meaning it Having strong opinions about everything Interrupting, especially when someone is sharing something positive Sharp or stiff movements that allude to controlled anger Being unable to relax, especially when one is close to the source of the emotional pain Fixating on the perceived injustice (stalking someone on social media who was involved in a betrayal, for example) Pointing out the faults and flaws of others Telling people what they should do or how they can do it better False smiles or enthusiasm at someone’s good news A hard edge to one’s voice and words Starting arguments or being argumentative Lashing out at others over little things to mask one’s pain regarding the real issue Nursing grudges and bringing up the past Rarely sayingThank youor showing gratitude Choosing not to help when one could (especially if one feels slighted by the individual making the request) Being quick to lay blame Angry outbursts that are out of proportion to the circumstance Keeping secrets to have power over someone Being two-faced Stiffness when touching others, such as when one is accepting or giving a hug Being prone to illness INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Tightness in the chest A jaw that aches Headaches or body pain Sensitivity to touch MENTAL RESPONSES: Believing that someone else is to blame for one’s circumstances Having trust issues Believing others could have intervened and prevented one’s pain Refusing to take responsibility for negative outcomes A desire to get even or force someone else to experience one’s pain An inability to forgive Being quick to judge Jealousy and envy over even the smallest things Moods that often run either hot or cold ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Isolation Playing the martyr; being unable to move on from an event Being unable to engage in small talk with others Negativity that seeps into all aspects of one’s life Health issues Losing friendships (due to one’s negativity, a toxic outlook, etc.) SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Making passive-aggressive comments Giving small, tight smiles Speaking positively but showing negativity through one’s actions (e.g., offering congratulations while furiously drying dishes or dashing off a memo) Giving backhanded compliments:Good job. I didn’t think you had it in you. Making oneself scarce once good news is shared MAY ESCALATE TO:Anger,Rage,Vengeful MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Resentment,Irritation,Disappointment,Self-Pity ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Berate, betray, blame, boil bristle, complain, disbelieve, dredge fester, flame, flare, gall glower, heat, insult, irritate jab, judge, mutter, point poke, provoke, quarrel, resent seethe, shock, smolder, spar spit, sputter, struggle, sulk WRITER’S TIP:With emotion, get personal. A tragic situation like a news story about a lost child on TV will affect everyone, but if the child is someone special to the character who is watching, the effect is tenfold.