Naming Your Feelings: More Than Just ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’

How Are You Feeling?

When someone asks, “How are you feeling?” most people say “fine,” “good,” or “bad.” But those words don’t really tell the full story. Imagine trying to describe a pizza as just “hot.” Sure, it’s true, but what about the gooey cheese or the crispy crust? Feelings are the same way—they’re layered, specific, and deserve a little more attention.

Let’s get real: when you say you’re “mad,” are you actually angry? Or are you frustrated because your group project partner ghosted you? Maybe you’re disappointed because your team lost the game. All of these emotions are different, even if they feel similar.

Here’s a pro tip: the more specific you are about naming your feelings, the easier it becomes to deal with them. Saying, “I’m

stressed because I have three tests tomorrow,” is way more helpful than just saying, “I’m in a bad mood.” Why? Because once you name it, you can start figuring out what to do about it.