This study examines emotional expression within the diaries of two young individuals amidst World War I: a woman residing in Warsaw and a man from Galicia serving in the royal-imperial Army. Through a comparative analysis, emotions such as boredom, sadness, fear, and joy are scrutinized alongside their respective modes of expression. Findings suggest a convergence of emotional experiences shared by contemporaries within the same temporal and geographical context. The investigation delves into whether gender influences the manner in which emotions are articulated, and if stereotypes pertaining to women’s emotional nature manifest within their diary entries and behavioral patterns. This research contributes to understanding the nuances of emotional expression during a tumultuous historical period and sheds light on gendered perceptions and experiences.