Emotion: Warmth

When you want to write the emotion warmth, 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 show; don't tell and immerse your readers in your story.

Warmth is an emotional state that conveys a sense of kindness, friendliness, and affection. It is often associated with a feeling of comfort, safety, and familiarity. When a character exudes warmth, they are perceived as approachable, caring, and nurturing. They create a positive atmosphere that fosters trust and a sense of belonging. Warmth can be expressed through physical gestures, such as a hug or a smile, but it can also be conveyed through words and actions that communicate a sense of empathy and understanding.

Different Types of Warmth

Here are some different types of warmth:

• Genuine warmth: A sincere, heartfelt expression of caring and affection towards others.
• Welcoming warmth: A friendly and inviting attitude that makes others feel comfortable and at ease.
• Nurturing warmth: A compassionate and supportive demeanor that provides comfort and reassurance to those in need.
• Radiant warmth: A positive and upbeat energy that brightens the mood of others and creates a sense of happiness and joy.
• Protective warmth: A strong and steadfast presence that inspires feelings of safety and security in others.

Situations Associated with Warmth

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

• Receiving a compliment or praise from someone they respect or admire
• Being surrounded by loved ones or close friends
• Being in a cozy environment, such as a warm and comfortable home or a crackling fire on a cold day
• Helping someone in need and feeling a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction
• Experiencing a moment of deep connection or intimacy with another person
• Remembering a happy memory or experiencing nostalgia for a simpler time
• Being appreciated or recognized for their hard work or contributions
• Seeing acts of kindness or generosity from others towards them or others
• Feeling a sense of belonging or community with a group of people

Physical Reactions to Warmth

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

• Smiling frequently and warmly
• Maintaining eye contact with a soft gaze
• Speaking in a gentle and inviting tone
• Leaning in towards the other person
• Exhibiting open body language, such as uncrossed arms and legs
• Initiating physical touch, such as a hug or handshake
• Nodding and showing active listening
• Offering compliments and encouragement
• Sharing personal stories and experiences
• Laughing and finding humor in situations
• Creating a welcoming and inviting environment.

These behaviors can help a character exude warmth, making them more approachable and likable to other characters and readers.

Thoughts Associated with Warmth

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing warmth might have:

• I feel a sense of comfort and security.
• My heart feels full, like it could burst with happiness.
• I want to hold onto this feeling forever.
• Everything around me seems brighter and more vibrant.
• I feel a strong connection to the people around me.
• I am grateful for the warmth of the sun on my skin.
• I want to spread this feeling to others around me.
• I feel a sense of contentment and peace.
• I am reminded of happy memories and experiences.

Atmosphere of Warmth

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

• Use descriptive language to evoke a sense of warmth, such as describing the sunlight filtering through the trees, or the cozy glow of a fireplace.
• Choose warm colors to describe the setting, such as golden yellows or rich oranges.
• Use sensory details to create a warm atmosphere, such as the smell of freshly baked bread or the sound of crackling firewood.
• Create a sense of community or connection among the characters, such as a group of friends gathered around a table, or a family sitting together on a porch.
• Use body language and physical cues to convey warmth, such as characters leaning in towards each other or giving hugs.
• Show characters engaging in activities that create warmth, such as sharing a meal or working on a project together.
• Use dialogue that is friendly and supportive, with characters offering compliments or kind words to each other.

Verbs Associated with Warmth

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

• Embrace
• Comfort
• Nurture
• Emote
• Radiate
• Soothe
• Cherish
• Hug
• Console
• Reassure
• Affirm
• Encourage
• Welcome
• Invite

Emotions Before Warmth

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

• Coldness
• Hostility
• Indifference
• Suspicion
• Resentment
• Mistrust
• Loneliness
• Isolation
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Tension
• Apprehension
• Doubt
• Uncertainty

Emotions After Warmth

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

• Contentment
• Gratitude
• Affection
• Comfort
• Happiness
• Trust
• Serenity
• Sincerity
• Appreciation

Telling Warmth Examples to Avoid

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

• I felt warm inside.
• He emanated warmth.
• The room was warm and cozy.
• She gave me a warm smile.
• His voice was warm and friendly.
• The sun felt warm on my skin.
• The fire provided warmth on a cold night.
• The blanket provided warmth and comfort.
• The tea warmed me up.

Practical Examples of Showing Warmth

Here are some examples of showing warmth in a sentence:

• The fire crackled and popped, sending warmth into the room.
• She wrapped her arms around her friend, feeling the warmth of their embrace.
• The sun beat down on her skin, filling her with a sense of warmth and contentment.
• The smell of freshly baked cookies filled the kitchen, infusing the room with warmth and comfort.

Exercises for Showing Warmth

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing warmth:

• Start by creating a list of words and phrases that evoke warmth, such as "cozy," "gentle," "affectionate," "inviting," and "sincere."
• Write a scene that involves a character showing warmth towards someone else, such as a parent comforting a child, a friend offering support, or a romantic partner expressing affection.
• Use descriptive language to create a warm atmosphere, such as describing the warmth of a fire, the softness of a blanket, or the sweetness of a cup of tea.
• Focus on body language and facial expressions to convey warmth, such as a smile, a hug, or a gentle touch.
• Write a character profile for a warm and nurturing character, exploring their personality traits, motivations, and relationships with others.
• Use sensory details to create a warm setting, such as the scent of freshly baked cookies, the sound of a crackling fire, or the sight of a sunset.
• Explore the concept of warmth in different contexts, such as a warm reception, a warm personality, or a warm color palette.
• Write a letter or a journal entry from a character expressing their feelings of warmth towards someone else.

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