The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is a web series that defines newly invented words for strangely powerful emotions. Written, edited, and narrated by John Koenig.

Here are the ones that have moved, and stuck with me the most. Enjoy! 

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Avenoir: The Desire To See Memories In Advance

We take it for granted that life moves forward. But you move as a rower moves, facing backwards—you can see where you've been, but not where you're going. And your boat is steered by a younger version of you. It's hard not to wonder what life would be like facing the other way…

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Sonder: The Realization That Everyone Has A Story

sonder - n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

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Socha: The Hidden Vulnerability of Others

It’s the kind of basic human vulnerability that we’d all find familiar, but is still somehow surprising when we notice it in others. It’s an open question why we have such public confidence, and such private doubts.

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Klexos: The Art of Dwelling on the Past

Your life is written in indelible ink. There's no going back to erase the past, tweak your mistakes, or fill in missed opportunities. When the moment’s over, your fate is sealed. But if look closer, you notice the ink never really dries on any our experiences. They can change their meaning the longer you look at them.

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Opia: The Ambiguous Intensity of Eye Contact

opia - n. the ambiguous intensity of looking someone in the eye, which can feel simultaneously invasive and vulnerable--their pupils glittering, bottomless and opaque--as if you were peering through a hole in the door of a house, able to tell that there’s someone standing there, but unable to tell if you’re looking in or looking out.