Ambivalence is when you feel two opposite feelings at the same time.
Imagine you really like ice cream, it's super delicious and makes you happy. But sometimes, after eating a whole cone, your tummy feels full and a little uncomfortable. That’s ambivalence, you’re both happy and a little sad about the ice cream all at once!
Like Being Torn Between Two Choices
Think of it like choosing between two favorite toys. You want to play with both, but you can only pick one right now. That tug-of-war feeling inside your head is ambivalence, you’re torn between what you want most.
It's Like a Push and Pull
Sometimes, ambivalence feels like someone is gently pushing you in one direction while another person is pulling you the other way. You're not sure which way to go, but you know both directions are good in their own ways!
It’s normal to feel this way when you really like two things, or even when something is both fun and a little tricky!
Examples
- Feeling happy about getting a promotion but also anxious about the new responsibilities
- Wanting to stay in bed but also wanting to go out for breakfast
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See also
- How Does Beyond Logic: Why Feelings Matter in Decisions | Simon Sinek Work?
- What is regret?
- What are emotional influences?
- How Does Money Actually Influence How We Feel?
- Does The Weather Actually Affect Your Mood?