What does it mean "I need you?" A different way of saying "I want you?"

Question

For instance, as opposed to saying they "want you." I believe there is a slight difference in the two, but what could it mean for someone to say, "I need you," to someone, from either a male or female's perspective? Personally a guy once said he "needs" me. It wasn't a sexual reference, more so an emotional and purely intimate one, but I still find myself curious to know what he meant precisely. What does it mean "I need you?" Boys and girls welcome to answer! ♡

DivaMonae · Accepted Answer

Well I need you can mean various things. You made a good point in your detail the difference between needing and wanting someone however people tend to abuse the word "need".

Like you said need can mean it's original meaning to rely on someone in a mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional context. But unfortunately as I mentioned before people may say need when they really mean want.

The only real way to tell is judging the statement. Think about who's telling you this and what are their motives. What's your relationship like? What are previous and following sentences? And it'll be pretty plain to see if they meant "need" or "want".

ObviouslyBored · Accepted Answer

When someone says "I need you" then you are part of the daily structure of their lives. You provide emotional support that maintains their mental well being and they feel safe with you. We all need at least one pet, human that helps us maintain center. To be needed means that you have more value than you could ever fathom.

JDavid25 · Accepted Answer

"I need you" means that they need you in their life.. You give them something that they feel gets them through the day sometimes.. He could have meant you wanted to be with you too.. LOL..

markhopers · Accepted Answer

need you... it means that he need your attention, friendship or conversation. As for me, it is the first step to your future relationship

Logorithim · Answer

It's a more intense feeling than merely wanting.

Áshal · Answer

There is a difference. When a friend says “I need you” that means you’re an emotional support and a great person in their life that they would hate to lose. If a female or someone you’re in an intimate relationship with says the same thing. It also means the same thing but sometimes it can be way more intimate than that. She needs you sexually and emotionally. When someone says I want you that’s strictly sexual but it means a lot coming from a partner. It’s nice to know that they don’t just need you they want you too.

sjoes006 · Answer

Your country says USA so I don’t think we are trying to give you inter language interpretations.

I thought at first it was what you were asking and I like the answers you got along those lines.

“I need you is subjective”, it can be a really bad sign especially early in the relationship.

Flying blind not knowing context it sounds like codependency which isn’t healthy.

It will be hell if you try to break up with him if I’m right.

Some people aren’t able to be single and always need someone to enable them.

Not saying this is the case here. But I keep all aspects of my social and work life active.

Your life should never revolve around the needs and support of another.

Would it end you if you guys broke up, probably for a little? For some they become obsessed about getting you back because they “need” you. What you want doesn’t matter.

pitzi · Answer

Well, I only ever said "I need you" meaningfully to one person and when I said it I meant that I couldn't keep holding on without them, I wanted them to be there and help me, I knew they'd be the only ones who really can do that. I was very emotionally depented on that person, that everytime I felt bad, he was the only one who could make everything better.

Purpleronnie · Answer

You may want another slice of cake but you don’t necessarily need it... I can’t think exactly how he meant it in your scenario but I have said it to those that are such a massive part of my life because of they weren’t in my life it would be forever different so I say I need them.. it’s very different from wanting something in my opinion , wanting can be a passing infatuation or a deep longing but needing has that connotation that life would not be the same without it :)

jessicashiita · Answer

if he said "i need you " it really depends on the context but if he says stay with me i really need you ( in his life) maybe he shows his love for you that's why he feels this feeling of being incomplete and inscure not fuctional or i will fail without you but in general it can mean stay with me because I think people around me do not understand me well or i feel lonely it really has so much meanings but personally i prefer if he says first i love you then i need you

brocklee · Answer

I too believe there is a distinction. In my mind, "need" is very dependent. "want " is a choice. "need" makes me uncomfortable as it gives me the impression I am providing something they cannot do with out. "Want" tells me "Hey, my life is very satisfying and complete. I want you around to be a part of it". So I prefer "want" from a partner.

HaveQuestions · Answer

Personally, need is not something I ever say lightly. Depending on someone for something is somewhat of a "sacred ground" thing for me, and it means you are in my inner circle. To need is to rely on. Wanting is something you can do without.

luvstoned4him · Answer

maybe they are going through major problems an they need you now. like for comfort, listening ear and to just be with them while they go through whatever they are going through. i want you is more sexual.

Akorep · Answer

When someone says that, it usually means he/she has been missing a part of themselves or a part of their daily life and he/she 'needs' you to fill in the missing place.

Syrian_survivor · Answer

Might be sexual, might be just emotional
Depends from a guy to another
Many guys would be thirsty and say it
Me personally, I say it to my partner when I feel missing without her and need her with me, whether it's real life or just texting, I just want her attention or talk to her about anything

Anonymous · Answer

"I need you" = There is lack of love and happiness and he needs you to bring that to him

"I want you" = He doesn't need anything from you, but just wants to be with you.

Even though many people say "need" is about being serious and "want" is about lusting for sex, it's not necessarily like that. But it all depends on the context.

djmzes · Answer

Simple Need vs want

Vixysparx · Answer

Need you is the exact same as want you, just more passionate

-I want you, you make my life complete
-I need you, I’d die without you.

Basically the same thing just with more passion and emotion in the latter.

ShortCircuit · Answer

More often than not, it means that his happiness depends almost entirely, if not entirely on your presence in his life.

It's up to you whether you interpret it as clingy and dependent, or sweet and endearing.

Hidden_P · Answer

It means emotionally the person is in trouble and while you've been asking this question that person has either had to painfully deal alone or done something stupid. So I hope your question was worth it.

Creative_M · Answer

Want you need you are slightly different but it differs from person to person and how and when they use it, it can be used at a time where the person wants you to be there with him just for support or he needs you to be there to actually help him

martyfellow · Answer

You me up for something he is missing in his life. What higher compliment could you ever receive? 'I need you' isn't usually a sexual invitation or come-on...

Endorphin · Answer

if he just wants you, he will be just fine without but if he needs you, he will suffer a tiny bit before finding someone else to need. being cynical af

murdanyc916 · Answer

I need you = a physical and emtional dependance on you example... he may be emotionally hurt and in tears without you i miss you = raw emotions of "missing you" without the physical aspect

What does it mean "I need you?" A different way of saying "I want you?"

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