CONFUSION DEFINITION:A state of befuddlement or bafflement PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Difficulty completing a task Fumbling Usingumanduhhesitations or an uncertain tone Grimacing or frowning Excessive swallowing Scratching at one’s cheek or temple Rubbing the chin Repeating back what was said as a question Touching the base of the neck Showing one’s palms and shrugging Stuttering or having a difficult time finding the right words Body posture that loosens or collapses Tilting one’s head to the side while pursing the lips The head flinching back slightly Trailing off when speaking Running the hands through the hair Eyebrows that squish together Pulling or tugging on an ear Asking someone to repeat what was said One’s gaze clouding or going distant Rubbing one’s forehead or eyebrows Asking questions to buy time Biting the lip Rapid blinking Hands touching the lips, mouth, and face Glancing around as if looking for answers Wandering a short distance to think, and then returning Turning away to gather one’s thoughts A slight headshake Talking around the situation in hopes that clarity might come about A mouth that opens but nothing comes out Blowing out the cheeks, then releasing A blank look; a slack expression Staring down at the ground Asking for affirmation:Are you sure? Tapping a fist against the lips Poking one’s tongue into the cheek Dry washing one’s hands INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Rising body heat Fluttering in the stomach A tightening chest Feeling overheated MENTAL RESPONSES: Thoughts that freeze Hoping for an interruption to delay answering The mind racing, searching for answers Feeling exposed and judged ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Flight responses Failing grades Not being trusted with responsibility or decision making Loss of respect from others for unfinished or inaccurate work Broken or unfulfilled promises A lack of productivity leading to a loss of self-esteem SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Nodding or agreeing, to avoid attention False confidence Assuring others that everything is under control Smiling and nodding while waving a hand Physical touches to reassure others (a clap on the back or shoulder, etc.) Steering the conversation to a different topic Launching into a flurry of activity Making promises Showing a sudden interest in other things The face reddening and starting to sweat Using “word filler” to stall for time MAY ESCALATE TO:Flustered,Frustration,Resignation,Insecurity MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Acceptance,Curiosity,Relief ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Addle, analyze, baffle, bewilder confound, consider, disorient, disrupt double-check, doubt, embarrass, entangle evade, excuse, flush, fluster frustrate, fumble, heat, lie misdirect, misinform, misinterpret, perplex ponder, question, repeat, stall stutter, think, vacillate, waver wonder, worry WRITER’S TIP:Men and women often experience and express emotions differently. When writing a character of the opposite sex, consider getting a second opinion to ensure a character’s reactions, thoughts, and feelings are authentic.