Having mixed or contradictory feelings about someone or something; experiencing simultaneous conflicting emotions or attitudes. Describes internal uncertainty caused by opposing impulses.
From German 'ambivalenz,' coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler from Latin 'ambi-' (both) + 'valentia' (strength, worth). The term originally described conflicting emotions in psychological contexts.
Think 'AMBI-valent' = having two values or feelings at once! Like being ambidextrous with emotions - you can feel two opposite things simultaneously. Picture being excited AND nervous about the same event.
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