ENVY DEFINITION:Resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, paired with a longing to acquire that advantage NOTES:The advantage can be a person, an object, or an intangible (popularity, lifestyle, career, accomplishments, etc.) PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Staring or glowering The mouth turning down The lips parting slightly A tightening under the eyes A thinning mouth The chin poking forward Squinting A slight baring of the teeth A pouty bottom lip Crossing the arms over the chest Rounding the shoulders and curling inward Leaning closer Reaching for the thing one desires Flaring nostrils A coveting gaze that drifts to the symbol of envy (the advantage) Being snarky or rude, seemingly without cause Shoving one’s hands into one’s pockets Twitching hands Hands tightening into fists Muscles bunching Turning away from the advantage and stalking off Swallowing frequently Rubbing the hands over one’s clothing Muttering about the unfairness under one’s breath Positioning oneself so the feet and torso are facing the advantage Licking or sucking on the bottom lip Sweaty hands A reddening of the face Rubbing at or massaging one’s chest Stroking or pinching one’s throat Taking a step toward the person or object one wants Obsessive behavior (stalking, making a plan to acquire the advantage, etc.) INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A quick heartbeat The ribs squeezing tight Rising body temperature A pulling sensation in the gut The mouth drying as one sucks in breath through clenched teeth MENTAL RESPONSES: A strong desire to touch, hold, and own Anger at the unfairness or injustice of the situation Unkind thoughts about the other person Frustration Scheming ways to acquire what another has Self-loathing Fantasizing about the advantage An inability to commit to or focus on anything else Dissatisfaction with what one does have A feeling of entitlement:I deserve it,orThat should be mine! ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Feeling that life isn’t worth living without the advantage Grabbing or stealing the coveted object Fighting or arguing with the envied one to release frustration Falsely belittling or minimizing the attributes of the desired advantage or object Irrational thinking Anger at the advantage itself (if a person) for choosing someone else Making demands:Give it to me. SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Congratulating the person or offering them praise Forcing a smile Acknowledging the object and complimenting it Attempting not to stare Watching from a distance MAY ESCALATE TO:Determination,Resentment,Anger,Depressed,Jealousy MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Defeat,Insecurity,Embarrassment ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Admire, arouse, burn, confess consume, covet, desire, devour elicit, gaze, gnaw, provoke resent, rouse, stir, suffer tempt, tinge, vex, want wish WRITER’S TIP:When crafting the details of a fight scene, remember that less is more. Too many details create a play-by-play feel which can come across as mechanical.