HAPPINESS DEFINITION:A state of well-being or joyful contentment PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: An upturned face Smiling Humming, whistling, or singing A relaxed appearance Telling jokes and laughing frequently Raised, prominent cheekbones (from smiling) Eyes that dance, sparkle, or shine A bubbly or light voice Rapid speaking Buying gifts for others or offering tokens of kindness Stretching out the legs and adopting a wide, open stance Giving someone the thumbs-up Sitting up, straight and alert Fluid movements A polite manner Offering compliments Swinging the arms while walking Stepping lightly, skipping, or swaying in place Initiating physical contact with others Infusing one’s speech with positive words Showing a talkative nature and courtesy with strangers Spontaneity Lightly rapping one’s fingers (as if to internal music) on a leg or other surface Swinging or tapping one’s foot to an easy beat Satisfied, catlike stretches Expressing enjoyment of the senses (swaying to music, savoring food, etc.) Nodding or leaning in and enjoying the act of listening (actively showing interest) Bouncing on the toes and waving enthusiastically Offering encouragement and support Quick movements, with no hesitation An overall visage that glows or radiates Holding the arms out wide as if to hug the world Initiating random acts of kindness Becoming more talkative INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Heat that radiates through the chest Tingling hands Lightness in the limbs and an overall feeling of weightlessness MENTAL RESPONSES: Positive thinking Desiring to spread joy and make others feel good Noticing the small things (smelling the roses, so to speak) Helpfulness and patience with others Being at ease with the world; content A bright outlook (glass half full) A desire to be with loved ones or friends Fearlessness Benign risk-taking for fun ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Joyful tears Shaking with excitement Big movements (leaping, pumping a fist, running, dancing, etc.) Shows of affection and happy bursts of screaming, shouting, laughter, or giggles Laugh lines Generosity, compassion, and the desire to improve the lives of others SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Pressing the lips tightly together to keep from smiling Bouncing lightly in place Taking deep, calming breaths Grabbing onto something to anchor oneself rather than move toward the source Carefully masked features but with eyes that betray the true emotion Putting away happy thoughts to savor later Intense concentration on something or someone else Hiding a joyous expression with one’s hair Holding a hand over the mouth to cover a smile Pinching oneself and using the pain to help contain the emotion MAY ESCALATE TO:Elation,Gratitude,Satisfaction MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Inspired,Valued,Pleased ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Animate, appreciate, beam, brighten caress, cheer, clap, embrace encircle, energize, express, extend fill, gather, glow, greet help, host, include, jump laugh, radiate, rejoice, relish savor, share, smile, thrill toast, wave, welcome WRITER’S TIP:To increase tension in a scene, think about what is motivating your character, and which emotions could get in the way. Introduce an event that creates the very emotions the character wishes to avoid.