Relationship Needs and Wants List

A healthy romantic relationship requires meeting both partners’ needs and wants. While the specific items may differ for each couple, there are some basic emotional and practical needs that apply in most situations.

Everything you need in a relationship, for a happy life together

Emotional Needs

We all have an innate need to feel loved, understood, and validated by our partner. This means having someone who will listen without judgment, empathize with our struggles, celebrate our wins, and make us feel special. Trust and respect are also key – knowing your partner has your back and won’t violate set boundaries.

Another essential need is communication. Problems invariably come up, and you must be able to talk them through openly and honestly to find solutions. It’s also important to communicate appreciation and affection regularly via both words and actions.

Practical Needs

In addition to emotional needs, functional relationships require some practical basics like quality time together. Regular one-on-one dates or activities as a couple are essential for maintaining intimacy and fun. Partners should also agree on financial strategies, household responsibilities, and plans for the future whether kids, jobs, or retirement.

Wants

While needs are non-negotiable requirements, wants are nice bonuses that make a relationship feel even more fulfilling. Examples might include romantic gestures like flowers or surprises, expensive vacations, certain hobbies you share, or specific traits like a partner who likes hosting dinner parties. Wants aren’t essential, but they can deepen your satisfaction.

Conclusion

Crafting a thorough needs and wants list sets you up for relationship success from the start. Know yourself first, then find someone committed to understanding and meeting your non-negotiable emotional and practical needs. From there, see if you also align on wants and preferences for the icing on the cake. Evaluating these factors early on saves much heartache down the road.

FAQs

What are some emotional needs in a relationship?

Common emotional needs include feeling loved, understood, trusted, respected, appreciated, supported, and able to communicate openly and honestly.

What are some practical needs in a relationship?

Typical practical needs are quality time together, agreements on finances, shared household duties, future plans regarding jobs, kids, or retirement, and physical intimacy.

How are needs different from wants?

Needs are essential to feel happy and secure in the relationship, while wants are “nice to haves” that enhance things further.

Why is it important when dating to assess needs and wants?

Doing this evaluation early on helps ensure fundamental compatibility before getting more invested so you can find someone who will meet your non-negotiable relationship requirements.

What happens if someone’s needs are not met?

Unmet needs often lead to feeling resentful, lonely, insecure, disconnected from your partner, or questioning whether this relationship can truly make you happy long-term.