Name That Feeling
“Your best friend forgets your birthday.”
Hurt / Disappointed
“A friend says: ‘I’m really tired today.’”
Exp. “That sounds rough—want to talk about it?”
“A new student doesn’t talk much.”
Maybe Feeling: Nervous / Unsure
Action: Include them, ask questions
“I feel bad for you.”
Sympathy
“Someone drops their books in the hallway.”
Exp. Help pick them up
“You get picked last for a team.”
Embarrassed / Insecure
“Someone says: ‘I failed my quiz.’”
Exp. “I’m sorry—that’s frustrating. I can help you study next time.”
“Someone trips in the hallway and people laugh.”
Maybe Feeling: Embarrassed
Action: Help them up, check on them
“That sounds really tough—do you want to talk?”
Empathy
“A classmate is sitting alone at lunch.”
Exp. Invite them to sit with you
“Someone spreads a rumor about you.”
Angry / Betrayed
“A classmate says: ‘My parents are arguing a lot.’”
Exp. “That must be hard. I’m here if you want to talk.”
“A student gets corrected by the teacher in front of everyone.”
Maybe Feeling: Embarrassed / Defensive
Action: Be kind, don’t tease
“At least you still have other friends.”
Sympathy (minimizing feelings)
“You hear someone being teased.”
Speak up or support them
“You finally understand a hard math problem.”
Proud / Relieved
“Someone says: ‘I don’t think I’m good at anything.’”
Exp. “I don’t see it that way—you’re really good at ___.”
“A friend cancels plans at the last minute.”
Maybe Feeling: Overwhelmed or stressed
Action: Ask if they’re okay instead of getting mad
“I can imagine that was embarrassing.”
Empathy
“A friend seems quiet and different than usual.”
Exp. Ask if they’re okay privately
“Your sibling gets praised for something you worked hard on.”
Jealous / Overlooked
“A friend says: ‘Everyone ignores me online.’”
Exp. “That can feel really lonely. I’m glad you told me.”
“Someone is acting mean and snapping at others all day.”
May be Feeling: Possibly stressed, hurt, or dealing with something
Action: Don’t escalate; check in later
“You’ll get over it—it’s not a big deal.”
Not empathetic (discussion opportunity)
“Someone shares something personal and others laugh.”
Exp. Support them, redirect, or tell an adult