When it comes to knowing the difference between what we want and what we need, human beings don't have the best reputation. Take diet, for example. Our bodies require balanced nutrition with meals that incorporate all the food groups, however, that doesn't stop us from craving foods high in fat and sugar (some of us more than others). Unfortunately, we are no different when it comes to relationships. Often, the traits that we want in our partners are not the ones we actually need them to have.
If you're looking to understand what it is you actually need from your relationship, you might take your zodiac sign into account. Indeed, according to astrologists, what we need from our relationships is largely determined by our star sign.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
The bold and charismatic fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are fun-loving and have an infectious energy. They sometimes struggle to know what's good for them, though.
When it comes to choosing a partner, Aries, you're all about excitement. In particular, you want someone who looks great, since you appreciate attractiveness in all its forms.
What you actually need, however, is a partner who you won't get bored of. Someone who is patient with you and who won't run at the first sign of trouble.
It should come as no great surprise, Leo, that you want someone who is your biggest fan. You love attention, and that's no different when it comes to finding love.
What you really need, however, is someone who is not afraid to tell you how it is. Someone who is wise, understanding, and ready to grow with you.
The idea of a committed relationship likely scares you, Sagittarius, so what you may want is a partner who is a little dangerous and a lot of fun.
You have high expectations for your relationships, Gemini, and what you really want is someone who has it all. Often, you'll choose a person just like yourself.
What you need, however, is someone who can balance out your personality. The ideal partner will have a personality that complements yours, not mirrors it.
When looking for love, Libra, what you really want is a relationship you can flaunt in front of others. You want people to be wild with jealousy at how romantic you both are.
Most important for you, however, is that you find your best friend, not a trophy partner. Someone you can talk to properly and who won't take advantage of your kindness.
Aquarius, you're just like your fellow air sign, Gemini. When it comes to choosing a partner, you want everything rolled into one, and you're certainly not willing to sacrifice your freedom.
What you really need, however, is independence, which is distinct from freedom. With independence you can still be your own person, but also be in a solid relationship.
The sensitive and caring water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) tend to spend more time than the other signs thinking about what they want from their relationships. That doesn't mean they always get it right, however.
It should come as little surprise, Cancer, that you want a relationship that is all affection. Ideally, you and your partner would never argue, because there is just too much love between you for that.
Of course, this sort of relationship is not realistic, and other signs couldn't even imagine it. What you really need, Cancer, is someone to help you relax and loosen up.
You're more than familiar, Scorpio, with the power that comes with having control in your relationship. Indeed, you may want a partner who is submissive to you at all times.
What you actually need, by contrast, is someone with a backbone who is not afraid to stand up to you. Another non-negotiable is loyalty in every situation.
You may want a fairy-tale romance, Pisces, or even a partner who feels a little unloved or lost. You might not admit it, but you find the idea of 'fixing' someone very romantic.
What you really need, however, is a relationship with someone strong enough to be their own person and who does not want or need to be fixed.
Grounded and practical, the earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) tend to be realistic about what they want from their relationships. However, that doesn't mean they don't need a dose of the magical from time to time.
You enjoy the finer things in life, Taurus, and that goes for relationships, too. The kind of relationship you want is straight out of a romantic movie.
Much more important, however, is that you have a relationship with mutual respect. After all, you know better than most that if there's no respect, there's no relationship.
A very independent and capable sign yourself, what you want in a partner, Virgo, is someone very self-sufficient who will do what you tell them.
What you need, however, is someone who will appreciate everything you do for yourself and others. Your ideal partner makes you feel safe and happy, and is very confident in themselves.
Capricorn, it might seem like the most important trait in your potential partner is self-sufficiency. You want someone who is like-minded and who won't get in the way of your work and ambitions.
What you really need, however, is a partner who helps you get out of your head and to appreciate that the best things in life are right in front of you.
Sources: (Britannica) (YourTango)
See also: The sad reasons why some good relationships don't last
Astrological insights: What you want vs. what you need in relationships
Our wants and needs don't always align
LIFESTYLE Astrology
When it comes to knowing the difference between what we want and what we need, human beings don't have the best reputation. Take diet, for example. Our bodies require balanced nutrition with meals that incorporate all the food groups, however, that doesn't stop us from craving foods high in fat and sugar (some of us more than others). Unfortunately, we are no different when it comes to relationships. Often, the traits that we want in our partners are not the ones we actually need them to have.
If you're looking to understand what it is you actually need from your relationship, you might take your zodiac sign into account. Indeed, according to astrologists, what we need from our relationships is largely determined by our star sign.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.