SATISFACTION DEFINITION:The state of being content or fulfilled PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A high chin and exposed neck A crisp nod Smoothing the front of a shirt or tugging down the sleeves Offering a thumbs-up Giving a toast or praise Clapping someone on the back A wide stance—fists on hips, elbows wide, etc. Surveying the finished product with a pleased expression A raised eyebrow and aSee?look A sleek walk that draws the eye (catlike and deliberate) A shy, confident, radiant, or cocky smile Apt dialogue that sums up the situation perfectly SayingI told you so! A puffed-out chest Shoulders back, straight posture A fist pump Clapping Loud cheering or whooping Fingers forming a steeple Including others in the moment Bragging A hand casually anchored on the hip Stretching the arms out wide Leaning back, at ease and in control A deep, gratifying sigh Whistling or humming A distant, unfocused smile Taking deep breaths, savoring the moment Unhurried, relaxed movements A direct manner (eye contact, strength in the voice, etc.) Offering congratulations where they are due Rewarding oneself Lingering near one’s accomplishment (a person, place, event, or object) to bask in the feeling of a job well done INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A hyper-awareness of others and their reactions A lightness in the chest Warmth spreading through the body A tiredness that is fulfilling rather than exhausting MENTAL RESPONSES: Happiness over a job well done Euphoria and exhilaration Contentment Gratification Increased confidence Looking forward to a well-earned rest Mentally fixating on the recent success Not paying attention to one’s surroundings Self-congratulations Generosity to others as a result of feeling gratified A desire to tell everyone about the success ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Justified possessiveness An expression of supreme confidence A glowing countenance Cockiness SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Twitching lips Hiding a smile behind a hand Bouncing lightly on the toes Getting away at the first opportunity to tell someone the good news Settling back in a chair in release MAY ESCALATE TO:Happiness,Smugness,Pride,Gratitude MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Unease,Indifference ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Applaud, bask, brag, cherish clap, congratulate, delight, grin linger, polish, relish, savor smile, smirk, smooth, strut swell, swing, toast WRITER’S TIP:Loners and their lack of social interaction present specific writing challenges. To break up long stretches of introspection, maintain some character relationships. Remember that a person can be lonely even when surrounded by people; use the dialogue, dysfunction, and drama that go along with those relationships to keep the pace moving forward.