Often very difficult emotions are involved, like hostility and anxiety.
It seemed to be a private moment, so Mitch backed out, and besides, he wanted to sort through some difficult emotions.
The words rasped from too long a silence; a difficult emotion was waiting within him.
Ah yes, and it is also a ridiculously difficult emotion to keep under control- particularly right now.
The difference, ultimately, is between easy sentiment and difficult emotion.
The sound of cannon fire would soon create a very difficult emotion in a city under attack.
Why do writers find happiness such a difficult emotion to capture on the page?
It was the most difficult emotion to bear, and the one I buried the deepest.
When the assault is committed by a stranger, fear seems to be the most difficult emotion to manage for many people.
Hard work was a good way to blunt difficult emotions.