VALIDATED DEFINITION:Feeling that one’s thoughts or opinions have been accepted or recognized as worthy PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A smile taking over one’s face One’s breaths becoming more steady and deep A brightening countenance Expounding on the idea that was accepted; going into further detail Nodding the head vigorously Listening eagerly to others Sharing one’s ideas more readily A lifting of the chin and shoulders The chest puffing out Standing taller Looking people in the eye Facing people squarely when speaking to them Eyes narrowing as one tries to block out other noises and pay attention to the speaker Leaning in when talking to others Relaxing enough to sit or lean back while others are talking Gesturing more animatedly with one’s hands Leaning on one’s elbows while sitting at a table, hands clasped Becoming still, as if not wanting to draw attention now that one has established oneself; playing it safe A cessation of nervous gestures Speaking in a steady, confident voice Speaking quickly Becoming more generous (thanking people, gesturing kindly, showing helpfulness, etc.) An excited or enthusiastic tone The glance darting upward as one recalls information Eyes that are focused intently on others Being honest and earnest when supplying answers Joining groups as an equal (rather than standing behind or fading into the background) Being more willing to argue or disagree with others Hands gripping each other or being held behind the back, as if to keep them still Replaying the moment of validation to others, or repeating one’s words in other conversations Jumping into conversation when one sees a chance to add something else Trying to hide signs of excitement and act cool Being at ease enough to take a sip or bite of something INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A jittery feeling of excitement Adrenaline shooting through one’s body One’s senses becoming highly sensitive A rush of relief at finally having been validated An expanding feeling in one’s chest MENTAL RESPONSES: Looking for opportunities to insert one’s knowledge into a conversation Replaying the moment of validation in one’s mind Thinking of other things one could have said Considering possibilities for pressing one’s advantage (instigating more conversations with the same people, researching certain topics to become more knowledgeable, etc.) Being seemingly focused on others while thinking of what one can say next Feeling kinship and loyalty toward the one(s) who recognized one’s worth Thinking negatively about the people who have been dismissive in the past ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Becoming overly confident Speaking without thinking and undermining one’s credibility Not pursuing further knowledge (because one has “arrived”) Feeling superior to those whose opinions or ideas don’t measure up to one’s own Being motivated to learn and grow so one can repeat the experience SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Putting the hands in the pockets to look more relaxed than one feels Being distracted due to one secretly going over the moment in one’s mind Disengaging (to avoid saying anything stupid and negating the previous success) Asking questions (to stay involved while keeping the attention on others) MAY ESCALATE TO:Relief,Satisfaction,Valued,Pride,Smugness MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Uncertainty,Nervousness,Insecurity ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Add, argue, assert, brag chat, discuss, engage, gesticulate gesture, help, hobnob, mingle offer, preen, pursue, strut talk, wave WRITER’S TIP:If a tense situation occurs and your character remains unmoved, you risk causing readers to disengage because it won’t feel realistic. Make sure characters always respond—even in a surprising way—to show they feel something. If they don’t react, be prepared to adequately show why.