EMASCULATED DEFINITION:A weakened state due to a perception of being stripped of power, authority, or a role tied to one’s identity NOTES:Emasculation is traditionally attributed to males, but in the right circumstances, it can be experienced by any gender. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Dropping the shoulders and ducking the chin The chest caving slightly Maintaining fleeting eye contact, or avoiding it all together Rubbing at the back of the neck Pulling at an earlobe Directing a burning stare at the ground or away from the person stealing one’s power A visible flush in the face and neck A sudden stillness in the face but visible tension in the jawline Hiding one’s hands (in pockets, etc.) and looking down Not speaking up, even when one has important ideas to share Swallowing more often Sweating Touching the face more than usual Shrinking slightly as the shoulders hunch Visible tension, especially in the forearms Slanting away from the person who is judging and stealing one’s power Glancing toward the exit Growing quiet or appearing to zone out Rocking stiffly and almost imperceptibly Engaging in small, self-soothing motions (e.g., rubbing an arm) Disengaging from the conversation Making excuses to leave:Well, I must go. Lots to do. Agreeing, in hopes of shortcutting the painful experience and heartache Apologizing or mumbling a response Smiling along with jokes at one’s expense in hopes the situation will end quicker Hidden hands (in pockets, behind one’s back, etc.) that fist and shake Lashing out:You have no idea what you’re talking about!orLay off, I’m doing the best I can! INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Heat in one’s core, neck, and face An unpleasant tingling across the back of the neck Tension in the jaw from clenching one’s teeth Difficulty swallowing (feeling a lump) One’s pulse rushing in the ears Chest pain Hardness in the gut MENTAL RESPONSES: Keeping quiet to keep the peace, and resenting it Negative self-talk that lowers one’s self-worth A distorted sense of time (painful moments seeming to out) Being caught in a mental loop of second-guessing oneself Asking others for advice and opinions so one will feel validated Thinking of comebacks afterward and getting mad for not coming up with them sooner Fantasizing about revenge or giving an aggressor their comeuppance Feeling small and insignificant, like one’s actions and thoughts don’t matter Experiencing jealousy around people one views as “better”, such as those who are successful, well respected, in great physical shape, or amazing parents or spouses ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Underachieving to avoid disappointing others and oneself Becoming more of a follower than a leader (even if one desires to lead) Unhappiness and dissatisfaction with one’s life Depression Keeping secrets (a private bank account, guilty pleasures, interests no one knows about, etc.) Acting out (engaging in violence or adopting behaviors that embrace risk or danger) Pessimism about the future SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Projecting insecurity by disempowering others and cutting them down Boasting, controlling conversations, and being overly opinionated when it’s safe to do so Inserting oneself when it isn’t appropriate (taking over, giving unsolicited advice, etc.) Becoming a people-pleaser Overcompensating (with material possessions, one’s physique, one’s hobbies, etc.) “Falling in line” to negate the need for the aggressor to publicly display control, avoiding personal humiliation MAY ESCALATE TO:Humiliation,Insecurity,Shame,Anger,Self-Loathing,Vengeful MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Stunned,Uncertainty,Relief,Gratitude ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Break, crumble, cull, cut dampen, decline, dim, drain fade, falter, flag, hurt isolate, lose, muffle, pain redden, reduce, retreat, sap shame, shrink, sink, steal stumble, stutter, subdue, totter weaken, wilt, wither, wound WRITER’S TIP:When emotionally charged, does your character think before acting, or act without thinking? Whatever their default is, put them in a situation that causes them to do the opposite.