SAPPY DEFINITION:Overly sentimental; feeling an exaggerated sense of happiness, connectedness, or romance NOTES:Sappiness is similar to nostalgia in the way it manifests. But while the former is typically a result of happier emotions, the latter is more often associated with wistfulness and sadness. If that’s the response you’re seeking, please see the NOSTALGIA entry. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Languid, contented movements Showing more patience and tolerance; being more easygoing Cocking the head to the side The gaze going distant as one recalls a happy memory Smiling broadly at the person or thing evoking one’s feelings Clasping the hands against one’s chin Being very touchy-feely A blush in the cheeks (as one realizes how silly one is being) Hugging someone often Trailing one’s fingers along favorite mementos Snuggling or cuddling with someone Nuzzling someone with one’s head or chin Running a hand up and down the person’s arm or back Tousling the person’s hair Walking with one’s head on the other person’s shoulder Watching old videos or playing sentimental music Sighing happily Sending someone a letter or text message “just because” Buying gifts for the person Creating a personalized gift, such as a poem or playlist of meaningful songs Cooking foods associated with the happy memory or person Telling happy stories about the good old days Verbalizing one’s feelings:Everything is perfect right now, orI’m so glad you’re here. Wearing a silly grin Eyes sparkling with unshed tears The face turning rosy A smile that quavers A quivering chin, eyes shining with happy tears Buying a certain kind of cologne, shampoo, or fabric softener because it reminds one of the other person’s smell Complimenting the other person Having difficulty restraining oneself, even when the other person is not as responsive INTERNAL SENSATIONS: An effusion of warmth An expanding feeling in the chest Eyes prickling (tearing up) Feeling energized or twitchy The heart rate increasing when the person approaches One’s heart feeling as if it’s swelling or growing Restlessness when one is distanced from the other person or thing MENTAL RESPONSES: The mind playing a loop of happy memories involving the person or thing Being in a good mood A sense of calm and contentment Being highly focused on that person or thing Exaggerating one’s memories so they’re wholly positive ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Being clingy or smothering Going over-the-top for the person (giving hard-to-acquire gifts, throwing elaborate themed dinners, etc.) Driving the person away with one’s ongoing sappiness Annoying others with one’s constant reminiscing One’s feelings turning to sadness, frustration, or anger if one can’t be with the other person One’s sappy feeling naturally returning to a more even-keeled emotion over time SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Not touching the other person, despite wanting to do so Quickly glancing at or touching the thing that reminds one of the happy memory One’s attention drifting frequently; having to be pulled back on task Always being near the other person One’s true feeling slipping through if the other person offers encouragement MAY ESCALATE TO:Adoration,Longing,Euphoria,Confusion,Frustration MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Despair,Satisfaction,Happiness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Affirm, beam, clasp, cuddle grasp, hold, hug, kiss laugh, massage, smile, snuggle spoil, spoon, squeeze, stroke swoon, touch, tousle, twine WRITER’S TIP:One emotion to include in every story is hope. Without it, even the most carefully crafted fiction will contain a void that readers will notice and cause them to disengage.