Feelings Detective
Your friend’s face turns red and they look away after tripping in the hallway. What might they be feeling?
Embarrassed, ashamed, or self-conscious.
Your friend seems upset but says, “I’m fine.” What could you do?
Gently ask again, offer to listen, or give space.
Why might a friend look angry even if they’re actually embarrassed?
Anger can hide embarrassment; they feel defensive or ashamed.
You and your friend both want to sit with the same group. How can you handle it?
Compromise, take turns, or talk it out respectfully.
A friend avoids eye contact while talking to you. What might that mean?
They may feel nervous, shy, guilty, or uncomfortable.
Your classmate didn’t talk much today after lunch. What could be going on inside their mind?
Sad, upset, worried, or distracted.
A classmate keeps interrupting you in a group project. How can you respond respectfully?
Calmly ask to finish your thought or set turn-taking rules.
What’s one reason someone might laugh when they’re nervous?
Nervous laughter releases tension or hides discomfort.
Your friend misunderstands a text you sent. How do you repair that?
Clarify tone, apologize, explain what you meant.
Someone sighs loudly and crosses their arms during a conversation. What could that signal?
They may be frustrated, angry, or closed off.
Someone rolls their eyes while you’re telling a story. What emotion might that show?
Annoyed, bored, dismissive, or frustrated.
You accidentally made a joke that hurt someone’s feelings. What’s a good way to repair it?
Apologize sincerely, validate their feelings, avoid repeating it.
How can two people see the same situation differently?
Different experiences, emotions, or perspectives.
How can you disagree with someone without hurting their feelings?
Use "I" statements, stay calm, and listen.
You text a friend and they reply with just one word answers. What might that tell you?
They might be upset, tired, or not in the mood to talk.
A student storms out of class when asked to redo an assignment. What might they be thinking or feeling?
Angry, overwhelmed, frustrated, or embarrassed.
A friend keeps excluding you from group chats. What could you say or do?
Communicate feelings assertively or seek other supportive friends.
Why might someone act mean when they’re feeling insecure?
They may be protecting themselves or seeking control.
You realize you’ve been talking over your friend. What can you do to make it right?
Apologize, acknowledge it, and let them speak next.
A classmate interrupts you mid-sentence. What does that communicate, and how might you respond?
It can show impatience or excitement — respond calmly or assertively.
A peer says they “don’t care” after being left out. What might they actually feel underneath?
Hurt, rejected, lonely, or hiding sadness.
You see someone crying alone. You’re not close to them — how can you still show empathy?
Ask if they’re okay, offer comfort, or sit nearby.
How can your own feelings make it harder to see someone else’s point of view?
Strong emotions can cloud judgment or misread others.
How can you show understanding when your friend has a different opinion?
Validate their view and express your own kindly.
You tell a joke and no one laughs. What are two possible interpretations of their reactions?
They might not have found it funny, misunderstood, or be distracted.