DESIRE DEFINITION:A yearning to initiate or strengthen a relationship with another person NOTES:Desire is a strong emotion, particularly as it relates to other people. While desire is often associated with romantic relationships, it can be applied to other people, such as a character who wants a more satisfying relationship with their children, parents, a sibling, or a friend. For information on desire as it relates to things or intangibles, see the LONGING entry. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Firm, intense eye contact Hands moistening Stroking one’s arm as a surrogate for the person Mirroring the person’s movements Trembling Lowering one’s voice when speaking Leaning in or forward Moving closer to the person to erase the distance Relaxing one’s posture; muscles losing tension Facing the person straight on Eyes shining, becoming glossy, and softening Frequent touching of the face and lips Hands clenching briefly, then releasing Becoming tongue-tied or inarticulate; stuttering or stammering A slight flush of the skin in the face and neck Knees loosening and feeling weak Responding immediately when called upon Casting furtive glances at the person Positioning oneself near the person one desires Touching or holding the person close Holding in a breath A slow smile that builds Moving carefully, to set the person at ease and keep from scaring them off Subconsciously thrusting out one’s chest Lifting one’s chin to expose the neck A lingering touch; brushing up against the object Touching or stroking one’s own throat Lips parting Slightly parting the legs The tongue darting out to touch or lick the lips INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A strong awareness of one’s own heartbeat The sensation of being flooded with warmth The mouth becoming moist with increased saliva Feeling one’s hair rise on the arms and nape of the neck Fingers aching or tingling with the need to touch Quickening breath or breathlessness Hypersensitivity to touch and texture Fluttering or even mild pain in the chest Light-headedness A shiver that brings pleasure; nerve endings that stir and tingle Bodily cravings of being touched by the person MENTAL RESPONSES: A desire to erase all distance; actively looking for a way to get closer Impatience Taking opportunities or meeting challenges to prove one’s worth Wanting to care for and put the person’s needs first A loss of inhibitions; becoming more spontaneous A need to touch and explore Preoccupation with the person’s scent Focusing on the person’s positive qualities ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: A willingness to endure suffering or hardship to get closer to the person Obsessive thoughts Centering all aspects of one’s life on being with the person Neglecting friends, family, work, and other interests Fixation on self-improvement, education, or goals leading to achievement Shedding bad habits or flaws to appease or impress the person SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Glancing away for a brief time; feigning interest in something else Making a display of engaging in conversation with others Forcing a slow gait rather than rushing to be with the person Not touching or being alone with the person Being 100% “up” in public, then falling apart in private MAY ESCALATE TO:Adoration,Love,Lust,Determination MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Disappointment,Devastation,Inadequate ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Ache, aspire, burn, caress chase, covet, crave, devote express, focus, follow, motivate need, possess, pursue, quest reach, seek, seize, touch want WRITER’S TIP:Emotion should always lead to decision making, either good or bad, that will propel the story forward.