Longing yearning

Longing

Also known as yearning

Strength 2 of 4

A steady, reaching wish for someone or something that is absent or not yet here, felt as a pull towards it that stays with you.

In the body

  • A pull or ache in the chest
  • Leaning forward, as if reaching
  • Breath that catches, then sighs

Needs behind it

When these needs are met

Hope

When these needs aren’t met

ConnectionIntimacy

Softer and stronger

  1. Longing
  2. Craving
  3. Pining

Often confused with

Craving

Longing reaches for a person or something meaningful and can wait; craving is a sharper, often bodily hunger for something specific, wanted now.

Pining

Longing is a steady pull towards what is absent; pining is longing that has gone on so long it starts to wear you down.

See also

Wistful