By Divya Munjal

We tend to use the terms “need” and “want” interchangeably, but do you know that there is a difference between these two terms?

Introduction

Let’s try to understand the difference between “need” and “want”. The term “need” refers to a thing that is essential for our survival. Food to eat, water to drink, clothing to wear and shelter to live fall in this category. These four things are our necessities. On the other hand, the term “want” refers to our wish to achieve those things, feelings and services that we don’t have, as these things make us happy, but these things are not essential for our existence. We can compromise on our wants, but we cannot compromise on our needs. Whenever we crave for something other than food, water, clothing and shelter, we must understand that it is our want, not need. There is no harm in having reasonable “wants”, but we should at least start using the correct terms as per the context.

There are few more instances where the use of term “need” is correct. Let’s look at such instances. If a 6-year-old boy is throwing tantrums while doing his studies or while eating his dinner, then his mother may insist that the child needs to complete his studies or eat his dinner. Similarly, let’s consider a corporate setting. If the deadline of a project is approaching, the boss may insist that the employee needs to complete the task on priority so that the project deadline can be met. These “needs” are equally important as the needs for food, water, clothing and shelter, so it is fine to use the term “need” in such an instance.

Wants: Luxurious versions of needs

If we say, “wants are luxurious versions of needs”, it won’t be incorrect. To understand it, let’s discuss some examples. We can satisfy our hunger with some basic food items, such as chapati, rice, pulses and vegetables, which are healthy food choices. However, once this basic “need” of hunger is fulfilled, then we “want” some more scrumptious dishes, which may include pizza, burger, ice-cream, and so on. These dishes may be tempting, but they are also heavy on our pocket. The same applies to “water”, which can satisfy our thirst, but once this basic need is fulfilled, we “want” more luxurious drinks such as juices, cold drinks, shakes and so on. When it comes to clothing, even an ordinary dress serves the same purpose as a branded dress, but we still want a branded dress. The same applies to shelter. The need for shelter can be fulfilled by even a simple, but comfortable, house, still we “want” to own big bungalows. All these examples prove that “wants are luxurious versions of needs”, which may land us in situation of financial stress.

Disadvantages of undue wants

Let’s understand it by an example of a professional who works from 9 to 5 in a decent company. This job can fulfil all his basic needs, but he is not satisfied with it, as he wants to progress and reach great heights in his career. To get recognized for his efforts by his bosses, he starts working overtime, which may sometimes extend up to 14–16 hours a day, although he was hired for 8 hours a day. Did I say 14–16 hours a day? Seems exaggeration, right? But believe me, this is not exaggeration. In his search for “more”, he achieves a great career, but at the same time, he loses a lot of precious things. Due to overwork, his health is deteriorated. As he does not have time for his friends and family, his relationships are also ruined. Now, even though he has a great career, he has lost his treasure of good health and fulfilling relationships. This happened because he did not maintain his work–life balance. This is what undue wants can do to an overambitious person. Are you also on the same path? Beware before it is too late. Try to distinguish between a “need” and a “want” and decide when to stop pushing yourself.

Now, as we have understood the difference between a “need” and a “want”, we can plan our life in a better way, so that we can live a happy and stress-free life.

Do you also feel that having fewer wants can make our lives happy? Please share your views in the comment box.

Read my other articles at: divyamunjal.com