I've seen this on other muds and I think it'd be a worthy addition here.

Basically have a new emote command something like pmote for example..

and have it work as follows:

user(Jarold) inputs: pmote slaps Akriam on the back of his head.

Jarold sees: Jarold slaps Akriam on the back of his head.

Akriam sees: Jarold slaps you on the back of your head.

Everyone else sees: Jarold slaps Akriam on the back of his head.

If you're trying to do emotes directed towards a person in a group right now you either have to phrase it for the person you're emoting at or the other ppl who may be watching. It'd be nice if you could direct it at both.