Need vs want

I have talked many times with people who are more extroverted in the Myers-Briggs domains.

One observation not meant to be declare positive or negative is the following. The extrovert needs relationships and interaction. The introvert needs alone time. The extrovert may occasionally want alone time. The introvert may occasionally want social time.

The difference in the two understanding each other is the want versus need. We all have needs. We view them as essential to live. Hence, Maslow's Hierachy of Needs. Wants are things we desire and can currently exist without. Needs are vital to our existence. So one needs people and the other has needs to be alone. The other has wants for alone time and the other had wants for social interaction.


In relationships the difference is akin to the fish needing water and the human needing air. They can work together to achieve each other's goals. It will require tremendous understanding.