Emotion: Satisfaction

When you want to write the emotion satisfaction, 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 showing not telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Satisfaction is a positive emotional state that arises when a person achieves or attains a desired goal or expectation. It is the feeling of contentment and fulfillment that comes from knowing that one's efforts and hard work have paid off. Satisfaction can be experienced in various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, work, hobbies, or accomplishments. It is a sense of pleasure and pride that often leads to a desire to maintain or replicate the positive experience.

Different Types of Satisfaction

Here are some different types of satisfaction:

• Contentment with one's current situation or accomplishments
• Fulfillment of a long-term goal or aspiration
• Pride in one's achievements or efforts
• Relief after a stressful or challenging experience
• Gratitude for a positive outcome or experience
• Sense of accomplishment after overcoming obstacles or difficulties

Situations Associated with Satisfaction

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

• Accomplishing a long-term goal or completing a difficult task
• Receiving recognition or praise for their accomplishments
• Overcoming a challenge or obstacle they thought was insurmountable
• Having a positive impact on someone else's life or helping someone in need
• Achieving a personal milestone or reaching a new level of success
• Seeing the positive results of their hard work or effort
• Experiencing a moment of clarity or understanding in a difficult situation
• Feeling a sense of pride in themselves or their work
• Having a moment of peace or contentment after a period of stress or turmoil

Physical Reactions to Satisfaction

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

• A smile or contented expression on the character's face
• Relaxed and comfortable body posture
• A peaceful and calm demeanor
• A sense of fulfillment or accomplishment
• A tendency to reflect positively on past actions or achievements
• A willingness to share their satisfaction with others
• A lack of restlessness or agitation
• A tendency to savor the moment
• A feeling of contentment or happiness

Thoughts Associated with Satisfaction

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing satisfaction might have:

• I did it! I feel great!
• This is exactly what I needed.
• I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
• I worked hard for this and it paid off.
• Finally, I feel content and at peace.
• This is the kind of success I've been dreaming of.
• I feel proud of myself for achieving this.
• This is exactly where I want to be.
• I am so grateful for this moment.

Atmosphere of Satisfaction

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

• Use descriptive language to create a vivid and immersive environment that appeals to the senses and evokes a positive response from the reader.
• Show the character interacting with the setting in a positive way, such as sitting back in a comfortable chair or enjoying a delicious meal.
• Use details that suggest a sense of completion or accomplishment, such as a clean and organized workspace or a successful event.
• Use dialogue that expresses satisfaction or contentment, such as characters expressing gratitude or complimenting each other.

Verbs Associated with Satisfaction

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

• Achieved
• Attained
• Fulfilled
• Completed
• Accomplished
• Conquered
• Succeeded
• Triumphed
• Gratified
• Contented
• Delighted
• Pleased
• Euphoric
• Thrilled

Emotions Before Satisfaction

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

• Anticipation
• Hope
• Excitement
• Eagerness
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Disappointment
• Doubt

Emotions After Satisfaction

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

• Contentment
• Gratitude
• Happiness
• Pride
• Relief
• Serenity
• Triumph
• Validation

Telling Satisfaction Examples to Avoid

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

• She felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her as she completed the final chapter of her novel.
• He couldn't help but smile with satisfaction as he read the glowing reviews of his latest play.
• The chef nodded with satisfaction as she tasted the dish she had just prepared.
• She leaned back in her chair with a sigh of satisfaction, feeling proud of all the hard work she had put into her business.
• He closed his eyes with a feeling of satisfaction, knowing that he had finally found his true passion in life.
• She took a deep breath and let out a satisfied sigh, feeling content with the progress she had made on her painting.
• He looked out at the sunset with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he had accomplished everything he had set out to do that day.

Practical Examples of Showing Satisfaction

Here are some examples of showing satisfaction in a sentence:

• She let out a deep sigh of contentment as she leaned back in her chair.
• With a smile, he savored the taste of his well-cooked steak.
• She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over her.
• He felt a warm glow in his chest as he watched his children play happily in the yard.

Exercises for Showing Satisfaction

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing satisfaction:

• Write a scene where your character has just accomplished a long-term goal. How does their body language and facial expression show their satisfaction? What are they saying or thinking?
• Write a scene where your character receives unexpected praise or recognition for something they did. How do they react? How does their satisfaction show in their actions and words?
• Write a scene where your character is enjoying a moment of peace or contentment. What are they doing? How do they feel? What sensory details can you include to show their satisfaction?
• Write a scene where your character experiences a small win or victory. How does their satisfaction show in their behavior and thoughts? How do they celebrate or savor the moment?
• Write a scene where your character reflects on a past accomplishment that still brings them satisfaction. How do they remember it? How has it affected their life? What lessons have they learned from it?

Remember, showing the emotion of satisfaction in your characters is all about conveying their feelings through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. Use sensory details, body language, and inner thoughts to bring your character's satisfaction to life on the page.

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