PLEASED DEFINITION:Experiencing a pleasurable sense of satisfaction PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A relaxed smile crossing the face An overall lifting of the facial countenance The head tilting slightly to the side The cheeks going lightly pink with pleasure Rubbing a hand self-consciously through one’s hair Lifting the chin The chest puffing out Leaning back in one’s seat Maintaining an open body posture (not tense or defended) Sighing in satisfaction Placing the palm of a hand over one’s heart One’s voice going soft and gentle Giving a thumbs up Covering one’s smile with a hand Offering a conspiratorial gesture to someone involved (winking, giving a high five, shaking hands, etc.) Nodding the head Shaking the head slightly while smiling in happy disbelief Laughing to oneself Clapping the hands Making strong eye contact with others The body going into motion (moving from a sitting to standing position, standing to walking, etc.) Making physical contact with those nearby—hugging, squeezing a shoulder, etc. Sharing a happy glance with someone Strong eye contact Bouncing lightly in place (trying to contain a sudden boost in energy) Verbalizing one’s pleasure:I couldn’t be more proud,orIsn’t this great? Offering encouragement or kind words to others; passing the feeling along Eagerly discussing the event that has caused one’s pleasure Celebrating in some way—indulging in a special treat or going out with friends, for example INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Warmth spreading throughout the chest One’s face feeling stretched from so much smiling Relaxed muscles Warmth in the cheeks The chest-swelling sensation that accompanies pride in a job well done MENTAL RESPONSES: A sense of contentment; a lack of stress or worry Wanting the feeling to last Being more tolerant and patient with others Capitalizing on the situation by continuing whatever brought on the pleased feeling (making the most of the opportunity) Looking more fondly on others and wishing to pass on the feelings of goodwill (giving those involved their due for helping out, complimenting others, etc.) ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: An increased sense of pride and self-confidence (if the pleasure was caused by one’s actions) Improved productivity Improved relationships due to one’s expansive feeling and a desire to keep it going A positive shift in priorities; realizing that certain “problems” aren’t as important as one once thought Lost productivity in other areas due to one’s attention being fractured People in one’s life feeling marginalized (if the pleasure is associated with another person) Ignoring one’s problems out of a desire to hold onto the pleased feeling SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: The corners of the lips twitching The lips pursing or mashing together Covering the mouth with one’s hand The eyes becoming more animated Drawing in a big, settling breath Turning one’s attention away from the cause of one’s pleasure Holding unnaturally still Maintaining a tall, stiff posture Leaning back or turning one’s body away, as if to show a lack of interest Acting unconcerned while one’s eyes dart to the cause of the pleasure Not talking about the cause but keeping a memento nearby to remind one of it MAY ESCALATE TO:Satisfaction,Confidence,Happiness,Validated,Pride,Inspired,Elation MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Amusement,Surprise ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Beam, chuckle, grin, high-five hug, laugh, nod, relax smile, tease, wink WRITER’S TIP:Gratitude is a powerful emotion for self-protective characters, since it lowers their emotional shield. Think about including an event that causes them to experience gratitude so they can see that not everyone is an enemy. This will help them grow and move past their own fears.