Faux feeling A need dressed up as a feeling
Unsafe
Not a feeling: a need, named as met or missing.
‘I think I am in danger, or not protected, here.’
Why it’s not a feeling
Unsafe names the need for safety and says it is not met. It is an assessment of your surroundings, that you are in danger or unprotected, made by weighing up what you see. The feeling that comes with it lives in the body: afraid, anxious or tense.
Feelings underneath
Needs
When these needs aren’t met
Saying it as a feeling
‘I feel unsafe.’
When I walked to my car after the late shift and the car park lights were off, I felt afraid and tense, because I need safety. Would you be willing to walk out with me next week?