We often justify our actions with unexpectedly overwhelmed feelings, and sometimes we blame all emotions, using these concepts as synonyms. So maybe the truth, there is no difference between feelings and emotions? On closer examination, it turns out that there are no synonyms here. The concepts, of course, are similar, but once you understand their definitions, they will not be possible to confuse them later.
How do feelings differ from emotions?
Our body reacts to a change in external conditions: the pulse becomes faster, the pupils dilate, the breath slows down, the chills run along the body. And the initial impetus to these changes is given by emotions, which are a reaction to any situation. Emotions are needed to preserve vital functions and have a direct connection with the satisfaction of our needs or the lack thereof. For example, if the body needs rest, an emotion is formed in the brain, due to which a person feels tired. If this need is satisfied, then the emotion will change, if not, it will increase. That is, these reactions are situational, and those associated with biological needs are congenital.
What then do feelings differ from emotions? The fact that they are not innate, in contrast to primary reactions, feelings are based not on a momentary situation, but on the experience gained. They are also called secondary, higher emotions, since the primary impetus to the formation was given by primary reactions. The difference of feelings from emotions is also their associativity, implicitness and complexity in explanation. For example, we explain the anger or surprise in a state, but if we try to understand what causes love for a person, this is unlikely to work. Most likely, all will end with lengthy arguments, which will not give an understanding of the causes of such feelings. Also, the difference between human feelings and emotions is the long character of the first and the momentary nature of the latter. The closest people can cause irritation, resentment, sadness, but with the resolution of an unpleasant situation it passes, but love remains, and such momentary reactions are unable to shake this feeling.
It is possible to notice the difference of feelings from emotions by their external manifestation. Emotions are expressed by our facial expressions, manner of speaking, tone of voice, gestures, speed of conversation.
How else do feelings differ from emotions? Among the secondary moments, one can note the strength of manifestation. Instant reactions can be very sharp and vivid, the feelings, because of their longer duration, are more calm.