VULNERABILITY DEFINITION:Having one’s guard lowered; feeling emotionally exposed NOTES:Vulnerability can be a positive, negative, or mixed experience. A vulnerable person who feels fear may display protective gestures while a hopeful person purposefully making himself vulnerable may express more optimistic or open actions. It is also common for a character to progress from protective to open movements if he feels safe. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Ducking one’s chin to hide the neck Avoiding eye contact or struggling to maintain it Clasping one’s arms in a self-soothing gesture Shallow breaths A quiet voice Hesitations in speech Holding the elbows tightly at one’s sides Using small movements Eyes that widen slightly Rubbing one’s hands against one’s clothing to dry them Toying with one’s necklace, watch, etc. to release nervous tension Avoiding answering certain questions, or answering indirectly Changing the subject Visible swallowing Wetting one’s lips Taking a hesitant step forward A nervous smile Tentatively placing a hand on someone’s arm or shoulder to test the connection Making self-deprecating comments in jest to lighten the mood Increasing one’s personal distance by taking a step back Covering one’s wrists Taking a deep breath before doing or saying something that reveals one’s vulnerability Closing one’s eyes for a moment before putting one’s shoulders back and engaging Taking extra care with one’s appearance Hesitating before moving closer; reaching out tentatively Over-preparing for an event—excessive rehearsing of a speech, for example Asking a personal question that allows someone an opportunity to be vulnerable in return Hunching one’s shoulders or curling up to take up less space Clasping the hands in front of the groin or other sensitive area Slightly turning one’s body rather than facing others directly INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A tingling in the chest A fluttering stomach A dry mouth The chest tightening Bodily heaviness Muscle tension MENTAL RESPONSES: Thoughts that flit between trust and worry, creating debate over the best course of action A desire to trust or give in Wanting to close the distance or touch another to feel safe or connect on a personal level A desire to flee Being open to suggestions A desire to be honest and transparent but fearing what it will bring ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Forming deep, authentic relationships A deep sense of self-acceptance Not letting fear limit one’s life choices An ability to be intimate with others Sharing secrets, ideas, and fears with the people one trusts Achieving self-acceptance and viewing the ability to be vulnerable as a strength Opening up too much and putting oneself in emotional danger SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Acting tough (false bravado, bragging, etc.) Pretending not to care (having a closed body posture, a tight jaw, breaking eye contact, etc.) Lashing out with insults, picking fights, or hurting others before they can hurt oneself Verbal denial:Oh, I’m fine, really. Everything’s good. Changing the subject to something safer and less personal Fleeing the situation Lying and deception MAY ESCALATE TO:Happiness,Satisfaction,Powerlessness,Defeat,Insecurity MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Relief,Surprise,Disappointment,Embarrassment ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Accept, acknowledge, admit, allow care, choose, communicate, confess connect, contribute, encircle, forgive foster, gift, give, hesitate invite, join, lean, link offer, open, press, reach reveal, share, touch, trust welcome WRITER’S TIP:If your character holds in emotion, at some point, these pent-up feelings will take a toll. Make sure that you follow-through with an explosive reaction or show the detrimental fallout in other ways (damaged relationships, a health crisis, a mental break, or whatever applies).