Emotion: Acceptance

When you want to write the emotion acceptance, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid emotional tells and immerse your readers in your story.

Acceptance is the ability to acknowledge and come to terms with a situation or circumstance without resistance or denial. It is the act of embracing what is, rather than what one wishes it to be. Acceptance involves recognizing the limitations and imperfections of oneself, others, or a situation, and finding peace in spite of them. It is a complex emotion that can be difficult to achieve but can lead to inner growth, forgiveness, and a sense of freedom.

Different Types of Acceptance

Here are some different types of acceptance:

• Self-acceptance
• Accepting others
• Accepting a situation or circumstance
• Accepting the past
• Accepting the present
• Accepting the future
• Accepting changes
• Accepting mistakes
• Accepting limitations

Situations Associated with Acceptance

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of acceptance:

• Receiving closure after a long period of grief or struggle
• Realizing and accepting one's own limitations or flaws
• Letting go of past hurt and forgiving oneself or others
• Embracing change and adapting to new circumstances
• Finding a sense of belonging or acceptance in a community or group
• Recognizing and accepting the truth about a situation or relationship
• Gaining a new perspective or insight that leads to acceptance

Physical Reactions to Acceptance

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing acceptance might have:

• Relaxed body posture, with shoulders dropped and facial muscles soft
• Slow and even breathing
• Open and receptive body language, such as uncrossed arms and legs
• A sense of calmness and inner peace
• Willingness to listen and understand others' perspectives
• Lack of defensiveness or resistance to change
• An ability to let go of past grievances and move forward
• A tendency to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
• A willingness to take responsibility for one's actions and accept the consequences

Thoughts Associated with Acceptance

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing acceptance might have:

• I am who I am, and that's okay.
• I can forgive myself for my mistakes.
• It's time to let go of the past and move forward.
• I am worthy of love and belonging.
• I don't need to compare myself to others to feel validated.
• I trust that everything will work out in the end.
• I can embrace my flaws and imperfections.
• I am open to new experiences and perspectives.

Atmosphere of Acceptance

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of acceptance in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Create a peaceful and serene environment that conveys a sense of calmness and tranquility, such as a quiet garden or a secluded beach.
• Use warm and inviting colors to evoke a sense of comfort and safety, such as soft yellows, oranges, and earth tones.
• Incorporate natural elements that suggest harmony and balance, such as the sound of a babbling brook or the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze.
• Show characters engaging in activities that promote acceptance, such as meditation, yoga, or communal rituals.
• Use language that conveys a sense of understanding and non-judgment, such as phrases like "I accept you for who you are" or "It's okay to be yourself."
• Avoid creating a sense of conflict or tension in the scene, as this can detract from the feeling of acceptance.
• Show characters embracing each other in a warm and supportive manner, such as hugging or holding hands.
• Use lighting to create a soft and warm atmosphere, such as candles or soft lamps.
• Create a sense of openness and spaciousness in the scene, such as an open field or a large, airy room.

Verbs Associated with Acceptance

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of acceptance:

• Embrace
• Acknowledge
• Recognize
• Yield
• Admit
• Allow
• Concede
• Concur
• Surrender
• Assent
• Approve
• Endorse
• Support
• Validate

Emotions Before Acceptance

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences acceptance:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining

Emotions After Acceptance

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences acceptance:

• Relief
• Peace
• Contentment
• Calmness
• Serenity
• Satisfaction
• Gratitude
• Optimism
• Forgiveness
• Trust

It's worth noting that while these emotions may follow Acceptance, they may also be present alongside it. Acceptance is a complex emotion that can involve a range of feelings, and everyone experiences it differently.

Telling Acceptance Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion acceptance in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She accepted the news with a heavy heart.
• He had no choice but to accept the reality of the situation.
• They had accepted their fate long ago.
• She tried to accept the fact that she would never see him again.
• He finally accepted that he was not the hero he thought he was.
• They accepted the loss of their loved one with grace and dignity.
• She accepted the criticism and used it to improve her work.
• He accepted the challenge and set out to prove his doubters wrong.
• They accepted that life was unpredictable and enjoyed the ride.

Practical Examples of Showing Acceptance

Here are some examples of showing acceptance in a sentence:

• She traced the faded scars on her skin, accepting that they were a part of her story.
• The silence in the empty room was soothing, as she accepted the end of a toxic relationship.
• He smiled at his reflection in the mirror, accepting the wrinkles on his face as a sign of a life well-lived.
• She took a deep breath, accepting that failure was a necessary part of growth.

Exercises for Showing Acceptance

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing acceptance:

• Write a scene where your character has just received news that they did not get the job they applied for. Show how they process the disappointment and eventually come to accept the outcome.
• Write a scene where your character is reflecting on a past mistake or failure. Show how they come to terms with what happened and find a way to move forward.
• Write a scene where your character is dealing with a relationship that has ended. Show how they come to accept that the relationship is over and find a way to let go of any lingering feelings.
• Write a scene where your character is facing a difficult truth about themselves or someone they care about. Show how they come to accept the truth and find a way to move forward with this new knowledge.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full thesaurus of emotions.