What do you feel is the difference between NEED and WANT ?

Question

I had a guy tell me that I NEEDED him in my life one time. I told him, that I made it until now just fine without anyone, and I didn't NEED anyone except myself. I said it is all about WANTING not NEEDING another person.

Answer 1

there is a big gap between need and want.
Need = something that you can't live without it, such as, air, water, food etc

Want = something that you can live without it, such as car, big house, new pc etc

but sometime you choose to get what you want rather than what you need

Answer 2

There is a thing called emotional dependance which can be unhealthy if it's too strong. It makes a weaker person feel convinced they "need" the other person no matter what. This is sometimes how Stalkers get started.

From a different point of view, you also need to relax your definitions to allow for different connotations of the word "need". In the romantic world, it's ok to make exaggerations. For example people say "I'll love you forever" when they won't live forever and they have no way of knowing if they will always love.

I would cut him a little slack and not take all of what he says so literally. Consider it more like poetry, not fact. But if he gets too clingly or starts following you, worry!

Answer 3

oh i thought you were talking about material things because i was going to say that a need is something that would change your life for the better if you bought it and a want is something that will only be added onto your life and can be easily put aside once your over it and the wanting rubs off it kinda fades into the backround because you've found something new to want. Where as a need is satisfying and is something that makes a difference in your life...well i guess you can aply this to a guy

Answer 4

People tend to get these 2 concepts confused all of the time. Often I hear people say they "need" something as a despirate attempt to obtain what they want. But if this guy said that you needed him, it sounds more or less like he WANTED you.

Answer 5

When you need something it's something you can't live without like food, water and air. You will die without these. You want something like a candy bar or a soft drink, you can live without out these. You can live without someone but to some it feels like dying that is why we say we need that person. I wouldn't want to live if my best friend left me. (a female)

Answer 6

He must have been feeling you were too obsessive over him or something. If not, then he had a REALLY BIG EGO that probably wasn't justified.
I also believe we say we need people in our lives --- because without them, our hearts will break. No, we won't "die" without it, but to feel good, we do. So, therefore, I guess we could say we need someone. I feel I need my family in my life -- it's because I love them and believe they belong in my life too though.

Answer 7

need
n.

1. A condition or situation in which something is required or wanted: crops in need of water; a need for affection.
2. Something required or wanted; a requisite
3. Necessity; obligation: There is no need for you to go.



want
v. want·ed, want·ing, wants
v. tr.

1.
1. To desire greatly; wish for: They want to leave. She wants a glass of water. See Synonyms at desire.
2. To desire (someone to do something): I want you to clean your room.
2.
1. To request the presence or assistance of: You are wanted by your office.
2. To seek with intent to capture: The fugitive is wanted by the police.
3. To have an inclination toward; like: Say what you want, but be tactful.
4. Informal. To be obliged (to do something): You want to be careful on the ice.

Answer 8

you are right the only things you need in life are water and shelter.you can even survive without food for a week.he sounds like a conceited jerk you are better off without him ,no body needs anyone,its nice to want though.

Answer 9

Well Nice and Good Question ...
Want Means You Only Want Something Not Need It Desperately ..And Its ok If You Dont Have It ..
For Example : i Want a Special Shirt .. i Only Want it But its ok If i Dont Get it ..

Need Means You Desperately Need It .. And You Cant Live With out it ...
For Example : i Was Thirsty .. i Neeeeeeeeed Water ...Need Refers to Now and You Want it Now ..
Thanks For Asking

Answer 10

As my old friend Mick says "you can't always get what you want, but if you try real hard, you will get what you need". I always took that to mean that as humans we will always find a way to fill our needs, companionship for instance. But we may have to compromise, or in far too many cases "settle" to get that need met. I think recognizing and justifying want/need is incredibly hard, and as I age its simpler to know what I DON'T want/need.