Longing yearning
Pining
Strength 3 of 4
Longing that has settled in and begun to wear you down, the absent person or thing returning to mind again and again until little else holds your attention.
In the body
- A dull ache that does not lift
- Drooping posture and low energy
- Loss of appetite
- A flat, faraway voice
Needs behind it
When these needs aren’t met
Softer and stronger
Often confused with
Heartbroken
Pining reaches towards someone absent and still hopes; heartbroken is the pain once that bond is lost.
Longing
Longing is a steady pull towards what is absent; pining is longing that has gone on so long it starts to wear you down.