Emotions are a fundamental part of the human experience. They influence how we think, act, and relate to others. Riddles that touch on feelings and emotions provide an interesting way to reflect on this important component of our inner lives.
In this article, we have collected 79 riddles about emotions along with their answers. Some may make you chuckle, while others may require deeper thought. Either way, these brain teasers offer a fun opportunity to explore the nuances of human emotion.
Funny riddles about emotions
Let’s start with some amusing riddles that play with our emotional expressions and experiences:
Riddle 1
I’m an expression you wear on your face, I appear when something’s funny or silly takes place. What am I?
Answer: A smile.
Riddle 2
People make me come and go, I can flow fast or very slow. I’m displayed on your face for all to see, When you’re happy as can be. What am I?
Answer: Joy.
Riddle 3
When something bad happens, I come as a flood. I can make your cheeks red like blood. What am I?
Answer: Embarrassment.
Riddle 4
I spread fast from person to person, Though I’m not a cold or a fever. I’m hysterical and hard to control, But I’m not found in body or soul. What am I?
Answer: Laughter.
Riddle 5
I am a feeling you get when you’re prim and proper. When someone does something rude, I make you stop her. What am I?
Answer: Shock or outrage.
Riddle 6
I’m the feeling you get when you win first prize. I make you jump and shriek with happy surprises. What am I?
Answer: Excitement.
Riddle 7
When something scary makes your heart beat fast, I’m the feeling that comes, And as long as it lasts. What am I?
Answer: Fear.
Riddle 8
I’m the face that you make when something tastes bad. I make your eyes squint and your nose scrunch mad. What am I?
Answer: Disgust.
Riddle 9
I’m the feeling you get when you win a race. I make you pump your fists and quicken your pace. What am I?
Answer: Triumph.
Riddle 10
I’m the emotion you feel when you get a cool gift. I make you jump and shout out a shriek of delight. What am I?
Answer: Joy.
Thoughtful riddles about emotions
The following riddles require a bit more contemplation about the nature and origin of our emotional experiences:
Riddle 11
I’m not an organ, but I pump and break all the same. I’m not made of muscle, but I drive people insane. What am I?
Answer: The heart.
Riddle 12
I make you weep when relationships end. I can break with the words of a friend. I can swell with just one violin. But no needle can burst me within. What am I?
Answer: The heart.
Riddle 13
Some days I make your feelings swell, While other days I break your shell. When in balance, all is well, But imbalance makes your life hell. What am I?
Answer: Mood or emotion.
Riddle 14
I’m not blood, but I run through your veins. I’m not air, but you feel me in your brains. I’m not food, but I nourish you each day. I’m not rest, but with me exhaustion fades away. What am I?
Answer: Motivation or passion.
Riddle 15
I cannot be bought, but I can be stolen with a glance. I’m worthless to one, but priceless to two. The smallest step in my direction can mend me for life. What am I?
Answer: Trust or love.
Riddle 16
Some days I lie dormant, quietly out of your mind. But when stirred, I am deafening, impossible to find. I shatter your thoughts and alter your mood. I swing like a pendulum, misunderstood. What am I?
Answer: Anxiety.
Riddle 17
I’m not a color or a shape, but I take many forms. I swell within when you feel scorned. I collapse when shown compassion, And fly freely with each kind reaction. What am I?
Answer: Self-esteem or ego.
Riddle 18
I’m not clothing, I’m not shoes. I don’t live inside, I’m not you. I’m displayed for all to see, In your gestures and personality. What am I?
Answer: Your mood.
Riddle 19
I’m not a game or a hobby, But I get much better with practice and study. Skilled hands shape me carefully, Then set me free purposefully. What am I?
Answer: Your emotional state.
Riddle 20
You can’t see me move, but I’m fleeting and fast. I can change in an instant, from present to past. Joy, sorrow, regret – I make you re-live. What you once felt before, to me you relive. What am I?
Answer: A memory that triggers an emotion.
Challenging riddles about emotions
Up for a challenge? The following riddles really test your grasp of the nuances of human emotion and inner experience:
Riddle 21
I’m not a room or a house, but I have walls you can’t see. I’m not a maze but I’m easy to get lost in. Loneliness widens me, company fills me up. What am I?
Answer: Your mind.
Riddle 22
I cannot be bought, but I can be sold. I’m useless unless I’m given away. You stand to gain everything when you lose me. What am I?
Answer: Trust, loyalty, or one’s word.
Riddle 23
I’m free as a bird, precious as diamonds. You’ll never know I’m there until I’m gone. Kings covet me, fools take me for granted. Many have died fighting for me in battle. What am I?
Answer: Liberty or freedom.
Riddle 24
I can start wars or end them, I can wound or heal. I infect humanity with just one shot. Though intangible, my power is unrivaled. With me, empires rise and fall. What am I?
Answer: An idea.
Riddle 25
I’m the treasure for which kings will bleed their kingdoms dry. I cannot be given or stolen, only found from within. Wars have been waged for my possession, But in the end I can only be realized alone. What am I?
Answer: Peace of mind.
Riddle 26
I can be a haven or a hell. A sanction or a trap. I have no size but can hold the world. I offer refuge yet devour those within me. What am I?
Answer: Your mind.
Riddle 27
I cannot be bought yet am more precious than gold. I have no home yet dwell in the hearts of the brave. Evil fears me and the wise follow my lead. Sun, moon and stars bow before my light. What am I?
Answer: Courage.
Riddle 28
I cannot be given or sold, only sent. I’m of no use until I’m spent. I bring joy, anguish, and sometimes regret. The receiver and sender both owe me a debt. What am I?
Answer: Forgiveness.
Riddle 29
I’m the child of love and understanding, The mother of malevolence and strife. I sustain you each day, yet destroy you within. I’m born in an instant but can haunt for life. What am I?
Answer: A grudge.
Riddle 30
When I’m shared I multiply, but when divided, soon I die. Cultivate me and I grow, neglect me and away I go. What am I?
Answer: Friendship, trust, or goodwill between people.
Riddles about emotions in relationships
Emotions are the cornerstone of human relationships. These riddles explore feelings in romantic partnerships and close friendships.
Riddle 31
I’m the bond that keeps partners together, Yet my hold is fragile as a feather. I require care to grow and stay strong, Neglect me and I’m soon gone. What am I?
Answer: Intimacy or closeness in a relationship.
Riddle 32
Two hands intertwined, fitting perfectly. A gentle caress that whispers, tenderly. Racing hearts and passion’s sweet fire. The beginning of every babe’s parent. What am I?
Answer: Love.
Riddle 33
I’m given to friends, as well as romantic pairs. I come in quick bursts, and sometimes for years. I range from warm embraces, to secrets and tears. What am I?
Answer: Intimacy or closeness.
Riddle 34
When this is present, all friction seems to cease. Arguments mellow in the balm of its peace. It sees both sides, and draws them together. Each breathing deeper, encircled forever. What is it?
Answer: Understanding or empathy.
Riddle 35
I’m not clothing or riches, but you treasure me so. I’m earned over time, when respect starts to grow. Care for me daily and I’ll last your whole life. Neglect me and soon we’ll be flooded with strife. What am I?
Answer: Trust between partners.
Riddle 36
Though I cannot be bought, I’m more precious than gold. I cannot be sold, just given away. If broken, we shatter – both the old and the new. When nurtured sincerely, like fine wine I age true. What am I?
Answer: Loyalty.
Riddle 37
I’m considered quite precious, though I don’t glitter and shine. I’m earned over time, with patience and care. Neglect me too often, soon I will fade. But tend me with love, forever I’ll stay. What am I?
Answer: Commitment.
Riddle 38
I cannot be bought, only given away. Freely exchanged between lovers each day. When you show me to your partner, their eyes light and glow. An endless supply is all you need know. What am I?
Answer: Affection.
Riddle 39
I’m considered by most as a pleasure and must. But take me for granted, soon I turn to dust. I need constant feeding and care every day. Give too much, though, and I can push love away. What am I?
Answer: Intimacy or sex in a relationship.
Riddle 40
I’m the glue that will hold you fast. The stitching that makes love last. I’m not flashy or exciting. But warm and reassuring, inviting. I value the old over the new. I treasure our memories and nurture what’s true. What am I?
Answer: Loyalty or faithfulness.
Love riddles about emotions
Love is a central human emotion explored in endless songs, poems, and stories. These love riddles poetically evoke its magic and mystery.
Riddle 41
My object flies on winged feet. Met soft, I taste bitter sweet. Yet each parting leaves me hungry, Until next we meet so lovely. What am I?
Answer: A kiss.
Riddle 42
I’m the hunger that lies deep in your heart. The longing that, when fed, fuels the start Of a lifelong romance, or just one night’s tryst. Tell me truly – am I on your wish list?
Answer: Passion.
Riddle 43
Some days we are calm, content to just be. Other days we’re a storm, wild and free. We ebb and we flow, never resting the same. But always together we weather life’s rain. What are we?
Answer: Passion or chemistry in a relationship.
Riddle 44
I cannot be bought, but am more treasured than gold. For me men have fought, and the brave have grown bold. I cannot be sold, given freely I enhance you. When cultivated kindly, eternally I entrance you. What am I?
Answer: Love.
Riddle 45
Some days we’re calm as a gentle stream. Other days we’re a torrent, a fever dream. We ebb and we flow – always in motion. What quells me for some stirs another’s deep devotion. What am I?
Answer: Passion, intensity, or chemistry between lovers.
Riddle 46
I cannot be bought, only ever found. Not in your mind, nor underground. Look in your heart, your soul, your eyes. There you will find my only prize. What am I?
Answer: True love.
Riddle 49
I’m the enigma for which so many longingly yearn. In my embrace, sceptics to zealots turn. I cannot be purchased, yet fortunes are my cost. In finding me, paradise is gained; absent me, all is lost. What am I?
Answer: True love.
Riddle 50
My windows show not your reflection, but my own. Gaze too long and you may find I’ve overthrown Reason itself, until nothing else can be seen. Tell me, what is this spell I cast over you? Do you know what I mean?
Answer: The eyes of a beautiful beloved.
Riddles about emotions and the mind
Our emotions are intricately intertwined with the workings of the mind. These riddles explore this connection.
Riddle 51
I give birth astride the grave, my light shines brightest in the dark. At birth I feed, and in death I starve. All fear me, few know me. What am I?
Answer: Hope.
Riddle 52
I am a gift that is invisible, yet I can fill up rooms or even hearts. I do not discriminate by race, gender, religion, or age. I uplift the lonely and give positive energy to many. What am I?
Answer: Joy.
Riddle 53
My fangs draw blood, leave flesh forever scarred, But my predations make the wounded stronger. I cull the weak and stretch the hale; My winnowing leads to greater gain. No lamb for slaughter ever goes, But that the rest survive winter snows. What am I?
Answer: Hardship or adversity.
Riddle 54
I am free, yet priceless. You can’t own me, but you can use me. You can’t keep me, but you can spend me. Once you’ve lost me you can never get me back. What am I?
Answer: Time.
Riddle 55
I’m not a day or a year, but I come again and again. I give you the chance, for a do over, my friend. Learn from your mistakes, grow in small parts. Embrace me fully, we’ll both have fresh starts. What am I?
Answer: A new day.
Riddle 56
I am unseen but ever present. Built over time through care. Damage me and I shatter, neglect me and I fade. But love me true and I will be your foundation. What am I?
Answer: Trust or loyalty.
Riddle 57
You can hold me but never throw me. Lose me once and I’m gone forever. Others can take me and keep me until death. I cannot be bought but have infinite wealth. What am I?
Answer: Trust, honor, or one’s word.
Riddle 58
Some days I soar, unweighted and free. Other times I crawl sluggishly. I can wow with what I show, or clench you in panicked throes. Your mind’s my home, and I have many names. Joy, sorrow, regret – we’re never the same. What am I?
Answer: Your emotions or state of mind.
Riddle 59
My friend, your love of me is misplaced. Look past what you think me to be. My substance is smoke, mirrors and dreams. In truth I’m but a cocoon, my emergence awaits. When finally I hatch, what beauty will spring free?
Answer: Potential.
Riddle 60
Some try to trap me but I cannot be caught. Some try to buy me but I’m beyond price. You can’t steal me or ever possess me, Yet I’m freely yours if in your heart I rise. What am I?
Answer: Happiness.
Riddles about sorrow and grief
Sorrow and grief are inevitable parts of the human experience. These riddles reflect thoughtfully on dealing with loss.
Riddle 61
I’m the whisper that comes on the wind. The chill of the air when all warmth seems to end. I’m the hollow ache that throbs deep within. The needle that pricks your heart with pins again and again. What am I?
Answer: Grief.
Riddle 62
I’m the fog that you can’t quite outrun. The weight that keeps dragging you down. I’m the knot in your heart that just won’t come undone. The thief that stripped life of its glow and its crown. What am I?
Answer: Sorrow or depression.
Riddle 63
I’m the wound that cuts deep and true. That steals all the light, leaving only blue. I carve out the joy, spoil your view – The scars I may leave never quite fade from you. What am I?
Answer: Grief.
Riddle 64
I am essential for mending and grace, though at first my touch you recoil and displace. I require only time and compassion. If you’ll allow me, I’ll reshape Your imprinted heart to help sorrow erase. Who am I?
Answer: Healing or recovery.
Riddle 65
I am the bow that springs forth from what once made you cry. I grow from tears like flowers after spring’s rainfall. I hold the promise of laughter where once was just pain. Time alone cradles me till joy blooms again. What am I?
Answer: Hope.
Riddle 66
Though I slice like a knife, I am not your foe. Patience and self-care are all I need grow. I’m the whisper that comes when you’re lying awake, Reminding your heart it has more room to make. What am I?
Answer: Healing from grief.
Riddle 67
Gentle as silk, I fall from the sky. Kissing your cheeks as you cry and cry. Hold to me tightly, give me your tears. Soon rainbows will banish your pain and fears. What am I?
Answer: Rain.
Riddle 68
Endless I seem when you’re in my grasp, Yet I’m finite as dew on the grass. Give me your tears when in sorrow or pain, I’ll remind you of joy’s refrain. What am I?
Answer: A period or moment of grief.
Riddles about anger and conflict
Anger and conflict generate some of our most intense emotional reactions. These riddles reflect on their double-edged nature.
Riddle 69
I simmer below the surface, then boil over when triggered. My steam burns the unwary, scalds the considerate too. Yet somehow my heat can transform when it’s wielded. Not extinguished or bottled – expressed safely, leashed tethered. What am I?
Answer: Anger.
Riddle 70
My bark is loud, fangs long and sharp. Yet I’ll not bite if stroked with a gentle warm hand. Corner or threaten me and I will surely spark. But soothe me with empathy and I become putty, like sand. What am I?
Answer: Anger.
Riddle 71
I’m the wedge driven into hearts. The broken bridge between counterparts. I’m the knot blocking the flow. The darkness where anger and hurt grow. Yet I’m not the end if both will just bend. What am I?
Answer: Conflict or disagreement.
Riddle 72
I can rip apart those once close as twins. I can poison with doubt even the truest friends. But confronted sincerely, you’ll find I can mend What I previously helped to shred and rend. What am I?
Answer: Unresolved hurt feelings between people.
Riddle 73
I’m the stone that paves the road to decline. When you hold me within you, we both slowly erode. Resentment and anger through me deeply entwine. But release me and spirits again soar and take flight. What am I?
Answer: A grudge.
Riddle 74
I freely emerge once conflict is done. Where open hearts can again trust as one. I require only wisdom and swallowing pride. I’m the balm poured on hurt once allies collide. What am I?
Answer: Forgiveness.
Riddle 75
Though usually tranquil, my waters do churn. Hot blood simmering; anger ready to burn. Yet violence and rage never have shaped the land, As well as the advocates who join hand in hand. What am I?
Answer: Peaceful protest.
Riddle 76
I’m the chill breath exhaled, that calms you within. The soothing of fists till fingers unclench again. I’m the warmth shared in silence between counterparts and kin. The reset button enabling friends to begin again. What am I?
Answer: Forgiveness.
Riddles about empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand others’ perspectives and emotions, is key to social connection and harmony. These riddles celebrate empathy’s importance.
Riddle 77
I’m not an apology or words that make promises anew. I’m the healing balm of being fully listened to. I don’t diminish hurts – I comprehend and validate them too. I hear both the words spoken and the deeper meanings imbued. What am I?
Answer: Empathy.
Riddle 78
I’m the key that can unlock closed minds and hearts. That opens the doorway when conflicts fall apart. I require you to listen and take in all sides. I dwell not in judging where wrongdoing resides. What am I?
Answer: Empathy.
Riddle 79
Though I seem small and simple, underestimate me and you’ll find yourself lost at sea. Compassion’s my parent, wisdom’s my mate. When storms rock your ship, ’tis me who can translate The wind and the waves and the moon’s gentle pull. When crew jump to conclusions, I am the one rule. What am I?
Answer: Empathy.
Conclusion
Emotions add depth, mystery, and poignancy to our short human lives. They connect us to each other and imbue our experiences with meaning. I hope you have enjoyed reflecting on feelings and the human condition through these riddles.
