Diffidence

Modest hesitancy from a lack of self-belief.

Family Self-conscious
Valence negative
Arousal low activation
Intensity Gentle
Opposite Assertiveness

Modest hesitancy from a lack of self-belief. The body holds this signal first, often before the mind has named what is happening.

Where diffidence lives in the body

Chest
Hollow, sunken
Withdrawn
Head
Foggy, vacant
Withdrawn
Shoulders
Slumped, dropped
Withdrawn

Related emotions

Self-doubtSelf-conscious familyTimidityFear familyReticenceFear familyAssertivenessThe opposite
A note on this entry: The data on this page (definition, body sensations, valence, arousal, related emotions) reflects a structured reference for diffidence. A full long-form entry is being added gradually. If you have research, a translation, or a body-mapping correction to suggest, please get in touch.