Longing nostalgia
Wistful
Strength 1 of 4
A faint, quiet wish for something out of reach, or for how things might have been, more a soft sigh than a pang.
In the body
- A slow, drawn-out sigh
- Gaze drifting into the distance
- Shoulders softening and dropping a little
Needs behind it
When these needs are met
When these needs aren’t met
Softer and stronger
- Sentimental
- Wistful
- Bittersweet
- Nostalgic
- Homesick
Often confused with
Melancholy
Wistful is a light, passing ache for something that might have been; melancholy is a deeper, lingering sadness that settles in.
Nostalgic
Wistful is a faint wish for something out of reach, or for what never was; nostalgic looks back at a time you actually lived and misses it.