INSECURITY DEFINITION:Feeling unsure of oneself or displaying a lack of confidence PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Smoothing down clothing A self-deprecating laugh Breaking eye contact and shrugging Keeping one’s hands in one’s pockets Fidgeting Checking one’s breath Throat-clearing Visible blushing Speaking in a too-quiet voice Licking or biting the bottom lip Petting or stroking one’s hair (comforting gestures) Covering up (pulling a jacket tighter, holding one’s elbows, etc.) Holding the knees and legs tightly together Awkwardly mirroring the behavior of others to try and fit in Choosing loose clothes over tight, revealing ones Asking for reassurance from others Brushing off compliments or putting oneself down (self-deprecation) Looking down while walking Staying at the edge of a group or seeking the corner of a busy room Tucking the hands behind the elbows Twisting one’s wrists Not smiling, or offering a smile that fades quickly Visible tension in the muscles Rubbing one’s forearms Needing advice or instruction on what to say or do Laughing too loudly, or at odd times Clutching an item, such as a book, binder, or purse, to the chest Tapping the leg to settle one’s nerves Hiding behind one’s hair Biting one’s nails Staying at a distance, keeping a wide personal buffer of space Holding a hand close to the face while speaking Difficulty speaking or offering opinions Rubbing at one’s lips Wearing too much makeup Rushing one’s speech or speaking in a stammer Increased sweat output during uncomfortable moments INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A heartbeat that races when one feels confronted A roiling stomach Uncontrollable flushes of heat An uncomfortable, dry throat MENTAL RESPONSES: Difficulty making decisions; overthinking problems Obsessing over one’s flaws and shortcomings Agreeing only to avoid a confrontation or be accepted Fixating on the talents and strengths of others Comparing oneself to others and finding oneself lacking ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Holding onto a comfort item (a special piece of jewelry, a picture, etc.) A bent spine and hunched shoulders Blushing when one is noticed or spoken to Avoiding social situations Acting skittish around people Panic symptoms when one is put on the spot Preferring to do things alone Wearing plain clothing to reinforce invisibility Difficulty making friends Choosing a seat in the back of the room or away from others Seeking interaction online rather than in person SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Tossing the hair Thrusting the chest out Standing taller, squaring one’s shoulders Forcing oneself to maintain eye contact Deflecting questions or concern Rushing into decisions to prove one’s decisiveness Taking risks Lying Inserting oneself into conversations MAY ESCALATE TO:Unease,Wariness,Defensiveness,Worry,Doubt,Intimidated,Embarrassment,Loneliness,Paranoia MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Uncertainty,Nervousness,Unappreciated ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Blend in, blush, conform, doubt falter, fidget, fret, fuss hesitate, overcompensate, second-guess, shuffle stammer, stumble, stutter, waffle waver, withdraw, worry WRITER’S TIP:Scenes do not happen in a vacuum. Don’t forget to include setting, thoughts or verbal cues that allude to the passage of time.