What is the Difference Between Feelings and Emotions?

The difference between feelings and emotions lies in their nature, origin, and how they are experienced. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

1. Origin: Emotions originate as sensations in the body and are intense feelings that last only seconds to minutes. They are controlled by chemicals our brains release in response to a trigger or event, and are always based on an external stimulus. Feelings, on the other hand, are generated from our thoughts about those emotions, or in other words, how we interpret emotions and let them sink in.
2. Consciousness: A fundamental difference between feelings and emotions is that feelings are experienced consciously, while emotions manifest either consciously or subconsciously.
3. Specificity: Feelings are more specific than emotions, as they represent our learned response to an emotional trigger.
4. Influence: Emotions are the raw data, a reaction to the present reality, whereas feelings can be diluted or distorted by the stories we've created in our heads based on past events.

In summary, emotions are physiological experiences and reactions to external stimuli, while feelings are our conscious interpretations and experiences of these emotions. Understanding the difference between feelings and emotions can help us better manage and navigate our mental and emotional states.

Comparative Table: Feelings vs Emotions

Here is a table summarizing the differences between feelings and emotions:

In summary, emotions are psychological reactions that trigger physiological responses and occur within you as chemical reactions. On the other hand, feelings are subjective sensations that arise from emotions, can change and override emotions, and are culturally constructed outside of you. Feelings are your personally filtered version of emotions and are easier to name than emotions.