VENGEFUL DEFINITION:Vindictiveness; wanting to make someone pay for a past wrong PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Stiff posture and visible tension in one’s muscles An intense gaze; an unblinking stare Tension in the jaw Holding the chin up Expanding the chest with a full breath, then holding it in Flexing one’s fingers or creating fists Observing the target and biding one’s time Constantly venting to one’s trusted circle about how one was wronged Faking friendliness to get close to others and find weak points to exploit Eavesdropping in the hopes of hearing something to use against the target Discussing the target and possible revenge scenarios with one’s supporters Noting who and what the target cares about most Creating connections with people around the target to find out information Verbally criticizing the target when he or she is not around Being two-faced Lying easily and convincingly Reading into what people say and do Smirking Rarely (if ever) apologizing for one’s actions; viewing them as justified Answering questions indirectly:I might show up, orGood question. I’ll let you know. Holding back information when it suits; enjoying the high of control Taking purposeful strides toward the target Invading the personal space of the target Facing one’s target directly and attempting to intimidate them (taking a wide stance, hands on the hips, strong gesturing, etc.) Baring one’s teeth slightly when interacting with the target Offering false smiles and a forced tone Stalking one’s target (either physically or online) Saying things to encourage self-doubt:Worried about the meeting tomorrow? I would be. Verbally attacking one’s target Sowing dissent among the target’s supporters:She didn’t tell you about the party? How odd. Making threats Starting rumors about the target Eyes that narrow or seem to flash with emotion when one is angered INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A rise in body temperature when the target is sighted Blood rushing in one’s ears A heartbeat that quickens when one is near the target Tightness or tingling in the chest Muscles that tense up Pressure in the jaw from clamping down A rush of adrenaline when revenge is attained MENTAL RESPONSES: Obsessing about the target Reliving the events that led to being wronged Fantasizing about how to get even Imagining the moment when one’s target is brought low ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Violence Stalking or following the person to intimidate or terrorize them Destroying the target’s property and cherished possessions Involving the police (pressing false charges, making accusations—true or false—that will ruin them, etc.) Taking revenge on innocents close to the target SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: False friendliness (smiling, giving compliments, appearing to forgive any slights, etc.) Adhering to one’s normal routine as if nothing is amiss Continuing to engage with the target as one historically has—spending time together, texting, hanging out, etc. Strategically laying revenge plans so they can’t be traced back to oneself Patience in waiting for the right moment MAY ESCALATE TO:Hatred,Rage MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Doubt,Uncertainty,Defensiveness,Embarrassment ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Creep, damage, destroy, eavesdrop envy, follow, gather, heave hurt, infest, infiltrate, malign plan, plot, prep, prepare push, rage, retaliate, sabotage scratch, slap, smash, sneak squeeze, stage, stalk, terrorize twist, wait, want WRITER’S TIP:To put readers on edge, key into their own fears. A loved one not checking in when they should, finding the front door open and unlocked, an airplane crash on the news when one has to travel…these types of shared fears can impact a reader more deeply.