WISTFUL DEFINITION:A yearning (tinged with sadness or regret) for change that one believes is likely out of reach PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A weak, pensive smile Pressing the lips and glancing down A far-off look Growing quiet Breaths that slow and deepen The chin dipping slightly A visible swallow Letting out a sigh that is a mixture of hope and sadness Voicing a thoughtful sentiment or yearning:I wish it could be different, don’t you? Holding oneself, arms crossed, and rubbing the forearms with one’s thumbs A slow nod while frowning slightly Reaching out to another in solidarity (clasping their shoulder, taking their hand, etc.) A voice thickening with emotion Sharing a sad smile with someone who understands (and has the same yearning) Laying one hand on top of the other Talking to oneself (to process complicated feelings or draw comfort from words that one would not feel comfortable voicing around others) Lightly clasping one’s hands together Light and happiness entering one’s expression when remembering a past memory Closing one’s eyes and taking a deep, cleansing breath Body posture softening, the spine curling slightly Shoulders that lower or fall slightly Leaving a task and sitting quietly for a moment Gently crossing the ankles (while sitting) Laying a hand on one’s breastbone Discussing what the alternate reality would look like with another Verbalizing confusion at God’s plan but having faith in it (if one is religious) Lightly stroking the throat while one is lost in thought Leaning back in a chair, the body relaxing during reflection Briefly letting go of day-to-day concerns to stop, notice the world, and reflect on something deeper Sharing a memory of a happier time when it seemed like an option or path was possible Comforting oneself by applying optimism to the situation:I would have chosen someone else to lead, but maybe he’ll be good for the city. INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A slight heaviness in the chest Feeling a slight lump in the throat A tingling sensation on the arms and nape of the neck An increased sensitivity to temperature MENTAL RESPONSES: Briefly becoming lost in the past Being triggered by symbols, sensory stimuli, etc. that remind one of the yearning Wishing things were different Daydreaming about an alternative reality Feeling that one has settled; experiencing melancholy about the way things turned out Remembering past difficulties and how things did eventually get easier (staying hopeful) Thinking about life and one’s place in a bigger, more meaningful way Experiencing regret that one can’t change the past ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Tears that come, unrestrained A thickening in the throat that feels painful Having difficulty reengaging with one’s reality after periods of wistful thinking Increased fantasizing about a life where things are different A life marked by sadness and unfulfillment Moving elsewhere to separate oneself from reminders of what could have been Resolving to live a life unmarked by regret SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Voicing the good in one’s life; focusing on what one has rather than what is missing Clearing the throat to disrupt one’s thoughts and return to the real world Changing the topic or asking an unrelated question Chastising oneself (or others) for daydreaming Turning to a task and redoubling one’s efforts (to keep the mind from wandering) MAY ESCALATE TO:Longing,Dissatisfaction MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Acceptance,Sadness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Ache, bear, cherish, covet crave, desire, dream, envision envy, fade, fantasize, grow imagine, itch, long, mourn muse, need, pine, regret remember, seek, speak, stare struggle, subdue, thirst, wish withdraw, wonder, yearn WRITER’S TIP:Does your character have a trait they take pride in? If so, create an emotional situation that causes them to doubt that trait or skill, leading to internal conflict.