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A recent study that has shown that there are 27 distinct human emotions. To make it even more complicated, these emotions often blend together. With this wide range of emotions and feelings, it’s almost impossible to know how you’re feeling, let alone how your friends are feeling at all times.
Here are some tips to know how your friends are feeling:
Ask how your friends are feeling
Check in on your friends by simply calling them or sending them a text to see how they’re doing. What you say is entirely up to you and dependant on the type of friendship you have with that person. Don’t be afraid to be honest with why you’re checking in to see how they’re doing. Whether it’s been a while since the two of you last talked or you’re worried about them – be honest. Also, don’t be discouraged if they don’t respond right away. It may be very difficult for some people to be open and vulnerable.
Share how you’re feeling
An easy way to encourage your friends to open up is to do it yourself first. Start off by sharing what’s on your mind – this is easier if you’ve already reflected on your own emotions beforehand – then give your friend an opportunity to share afterwards. This shows them that it’s a safe space to share. Again, don’t be discouraged if they don’t respond with the same level of openness.
Be knowledgeable about emotions
Having a basic understanding of the distinct emotions will help you identify and recognize how your friends are feeling especially if they have a hard time expressing how they feel. Take note of all the different emotions a person can feel:
admiration, adoration, aesthetic appreciation, amusement, anxiety, awe, awkwardness, boredom, calmness, confusion, craving, disgust, empathetic pain, entrancement, envy, excitement, fear, horror, interest, joy, nostalgia, romance, sadness, satisfaction, sexual desire, sympathy, triumph
Use a mood tracker with friends
Track your daily moods in an app and invite your friends to join your social support network. Moodwave allows you to easily track and share moods with friends. By knowing how they’re feeling and about what allows you to be there and support them better. You can even send supportive messages in the app.
Watch their body language
There are non-verbal cues that everyone displays when they’re feeling a certain way. A classic example is crossing your arms which suggests that the person is feeling anxious, tense, or under some kind of stress. Or it might be the tone they use when they respond. Being aware of both verbal and non-verbal cues will help you better recognize how your friends are feeling even if they don’t explicitly communicate it.
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