IRRITATION DEFINITION:Impatience and displeasure; the sense of being bothered PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: The lips pressing together, pursing, or flattening Features tightening Narrowing the eyes; squinting or tilting the head down while making eye contact Rubbing the back of the neck Watching the source furtively Frowning Crossing one’s arms Pulling or plucking at clothing as if it chafes Fidgety movements (scraping the hair back, curling one’s fingers, etc.) Adopting a challenging tone A hard smile Poking a tongue lightly into the cheek and inhaling a long breath Asking pointed questions Changing the subject Forcing a laugh Raising the voice Opening the mouth to say something, then thinking better of it Biting the inside of the cheek Restless legs (crossing and uncrossing, unable to stand still, etc.) Going silent; disengaging from conversation Feigning interest in other things to buy time and regain control Making small, jittery movements with the fingers Breathing through the nose (audibly to others) Curling one’s toes Clasping the hands tightly so the knuckles turn white Interrupting people Repeating a mannerism (scratching an eyebrow, adjusting glasses, etc.) Spots of color entering the cheeks Clenching one’s teeth INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Tightness in the chest Tense muscles Sensitive skin A quickened pulse A twitchy feeling in the extremities Raised body temperature Tightness in the jaw and facial muscles, causing discomfort MENTAL RESPONSES: Dismissing the source as unworthy Trying to put the upsetting information out of one’s mind A desire to talk the situation over with someone else Wishing someone would stop or shut up Stubbornly sticking to one’s belief, even if it doesn’t make sense Clouded judgment Judging others and their performance or contribution ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Openly challenging another’s logic or standpoint Swearing Negative language:You don’t know what you’re talking about! Sarcasm Name-calling or side insults:Can you stop that? It’s like working with a two-year-old! Facial tics Rising blood pressure Snapping and saying something that offends others or damages a relationship SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Avoiding the source Two-faced behavior Nitpicking Passive-aggressive comments Forcing oneself to not look at or acknowledge the source Leaving the room or situation to clear one’s thoughts Seeking to discredit the source so one won’t have to believe him or her MAY ESCALATE TO:Resentment,Frustration,Anger MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Annoyance,Indifference,Relief ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Bark, call out, chafe, clench exhale, frown, glare, gripe grit, grumble, huff, judge mutter, snap, squeeze, squirm stiffen, swear, tense, twitch WRITER’S TIP:Make body language unique to the character. Do they lift themselves up in their shoes as they wait in line? Do they run a finger along the seam of their jeans when they’re deep in thought? Creative emotional mannerisms help characters leap off the page.