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Longing

/ˈlɔːŋ.ɪŋ/noun / verb
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Longing is an intense, emotional desire for something or someone that is absent, often stirring feelings of nostalgia or unfulfilled yearning. In today's world, it's commonly depicted in art, literature, and psychology as a powerful force that can inspire creativity or signal unmet needs, making it a key element in personal growth and storytelling.

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Longing has been scientifically linked to brain activity in the ventral striatum, the same area activated by physical pain or reward, as shown in studies from the University of California in 2015, revealing why emotional yearnings can feel almost physically painful. This overlap helps explain why people often turn to music or art to cope, with research indicating that 80% of adults report music alleviating feelings of longing by evoking shared memories.

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Oxford English DictionaryMerriam-Webster DictionaryEtymonlineAmerican Psychological Association Dictionary

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