Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Happiness/Joy

We're placing these two emotions together as they share many reactions, but the 'range' of feeling can be more intense with pure joy, depending on the level being experienced.

• smiling
• a light step, floating walk
• humming/whistling/singing
• an urge to share with others—talkative, courtesy with strangers
• skipping
• relaxed appearance
• shows interest/notices small things around them (smelling the roses, so to speak)
• shows affection—hugging, touching, etc
• more likely to be helpful, random acts of kindness
• tells jokes, laughs frequently, interacts with others
• self-satisfied
• at ease with the world, content
• raps fingers lightly (as if to internal music) on leg or other surface
• swings/taps foot to an easy beat
• shows patience
• bright outlook (glass half full)
• satisfied catlike stretches
• shows enjoyment of stimulus (sways to music, closes eyes to savor food, etc)
nods as others speak or leans in to show interest
• eyes that dance, sparkle, shine, etc
• bouncing on toes
• bubbling laughter
• rapid speaking
• a feeling of breathlessness
• happy tears
• clasping hands before chest
• shaking with excitement
• big movements (leaping, fist pumping, running)
• happy bursts of screaming, shouting, laughter, squeals, giggles
• bear hugs, kissing or other types of intense affection
• pounding heart
• tingling hands
• a need to share the intense feeling with others
• lightness in limbs
• an energetic walk, quick movements, no hesitation
• a desire to be with loved ones or friends
• fearlessness
• risk taking