Emodiversity is something I’ve discussed related to relationships for years. I wrote something a few years back, explaining the concept:

For, example, on another discussion today, I asked about the poster’s definitions of angry and upset, and if he believes they are different.

I do.

Very different.

But if he does not, then he has limited two potential states to just one, and can only react within his own perceived reality.

So, instead of angry (which most people understand as a concept from kindergarten), you could be:

• frustrated
• annoyed
• peeved
• furious
• upset
• discombobulated
• mad
• cross
• vexed
• irked
• irritated

And so on.

And your definitions of the severity and degree and actions that go with each word could be different, therefore putting a completely different spin on a scenario.

Let’s say your better half does something that would normally make you angry. How would you react if you were instead merely irked? Or if it made you furious?

Different than angry?

For me, they are very different.

And it’s powerful knowing I have a better understanding of my emotional states than the typical 6 year-old. grins

And, by having different words to describe my different states, I get to experience more, feel a wider range of emotions, and be more clear in my own communication.

This video, while not specifically about emodiversity, shows how powerful the words we use in our heads can be to how our brains react and develop:

Here’s a partial list of emotion words, to help you understand how you feel to yourself, and to communicate more effectively with others.

So, next time your partner ‘ticks you off,’ rather than infuriating you, how might you handle it?