Name That Feeling
Your friend cancels plans at the last minute and you were really looking forward to seeing them. Name 2–3 emotions you might feel.
Examples: Disappointed, annoyed, sad, rejected, frustrated, relieved, etc. There’s no single right answer.
What's one thing that can make siblings great AND one thing that can make siblings extremely annoying?
Anything goes. No right answer!
Name three things you're good at that have nothing to do with grades.
Anything counts — personality traits, relationships, hobbies, talents, ways you treat people, etc.
Someone texts “Are you mad at me?” when you're not mad—you've just had a bad day. What do you say?
Anything that communicates what is actually going on.
Name three things that can make a bad day even 10% better.
Anything healthy/helpful counts.
Sometimes people say they’re “mad” when there’s actually another emotion underneath it. Name 3 feelings that can hide underneath anger.
Examples: hurt, sad, embarrassed, scared, disappointed, jealous, overwhelmed, rejected.
You're annoyed with someone in your family but don't want it to turn into a huge argument. What's one way you could handle it?
Take some space, explain what bothered you, ask for what you need, choose not to engage right away.
What's something you like about your personality?
No wrong answer.
Your friends want to do something you don't really want to do. What do you realistically do?
No right answer — discuss what makes saying no easier or harder.
You're really upset. Which sounds best: talk to someone, distract yourself, have alone time, or do something active?
No right answer. Different situations may need different things.
How can you tell you're starting to feel overwhelmed before you actually say “I’m overwhelmed”?
Look for body sensations, thoughts, behaviors, urges, or changes in mood.
What makes it easier to talk to someone in your family when something is bothering you? What makes it harder?
No right answer — think about timing, reactions, trust, privacy, feeling understood, etc.
If your best friend described you using three words, what do you think they'd say?
Any three — then decide whether you agree.
Someone says something that hurts your feelings but you don't think they meant to. Do you tell them? Why or why not?
Yes/No. Either choice can lead to discussion about communication and relationships.
What's the difference between distracting yourself from a feeling and avoiding a feeling?
Distraction can give you a temporary break so you can regulate; avoidance is repeatedly trying not to experience or deal with the feeling at all.
Pick an emotion that's difficult for you to explain to other people. How would you describe what it feels like without actually using the name of the emotion?
No right answer — describe the thoughts, body sensations, urges, or behaviors that come with it.
What role do you think people can sometimes take in a family? What might your role be?
The funny one, responsible one, peacemaker, quiet one, protector, troublemaker, caretaker. Follow-up: Do you think you have one?
What's something you're much harder on yourself about than you would be on someone else?
No right answer. Follow-up: What would you say to a friend in the same situation?
You're upset but you don't really know why. Someone asks what's wrong. What could you say instead of “I don't know”?
“I don't know yet,” “Something feels off,” “I need some time to figure it out,” or describing what you notice in your body/thoughts.
Why can something that happened a long time ago suddenly make you emotional again?
Memories, reminders, anniversaries, places, people, thoughts, or unexpected triggers can bring emotions back. Feelings don't follow a perfect timeline.
Can you feel two completely opposite emotions about the same situation or person? Give an example.
Yes. Mixed emotions are normal — you can love someone and be angry with them, feel excited and scared, miss something and also not want it back, etc.
Why might someone try to protect their family from knowing when they're sad, worried, or struggling?
Examples: Not wanting them to worry, feeling uncomfortable talking about emotions, wanting to seem strong, not knowing how to explain it, wanting to protect other people.
What's something about yourself you wish you believed more strongly?
No right answer — examples might involve being good enough, lovable, capable, strong, important, etc.
You really want someone to understand how you feel, but talking about it feels uncomfortable. What's one way you could make it easier?
Examples: Text/write it first, start small, use an emotion word list, feelings, wheel, describe what happened first, tell them talking about it is hard.
Is it possible to miss someone or something AND still have good days, laugh, have fun, or move forward? Explain.
Yes. Missing or grieving someone can exist alongside happiness, connection, fun, and continuing with life.