Is the desire for sex and a romantic partner a need? It feels like one to me. I signed up on OkCupid again. I didn't want to. But I think my desire for this stuff is so excruciating sometimes. It's like painful.

[Bill3]

I think it is a need.

It is a need. I think most people are biologically pushed to seek a mate. Its nature.

[Candy1955]

I agree, it's a need, but don't confuse sex with companionship. One has little to do with the other most times.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by Candy1955

I agree, it's a need, but don't confuse sex with companionship. One has little to do with the other most times.

So true!

Candy, I agree. Honestly though, I think they are both needs for me.

[Skull&Crossbones]

They're both huge needs for me too. Unfortunately, even in a long-term relationship, neither need was really met so I guess they can't ever be met (for me at least)?

I failed horribly at online dating so I'm unsure I'd want to try it again.

So I guess I can look forward to a life without either need being met at all. A little bit was better nothing at least.

[ShadowGX]

For most people, yes, both are needs. There are aromantic and asexual people out there though who don't need one or the other. I'm on a spectrum of asexuality where sex is not important to me, but I'm interested in sharing it with the right person. I do feel the need to find a mate, though.

[FoghornsandFlannel]

Wouldn't it be more of a want than a need? Needs are food, water, clothing, shelter etc.

[MickeyCheeky]

Yes, it is a need.

I just want to say something, in case this thread may "trigger" other people in their own thoughts of loneliness, desperation, etc. There are times when there is no other choice but to not have your needs met. Never be with someone who treats you poorly, just because the sex is good. There are things one can do to meet one's own needs and remember that emotions / feelings are not at a stand still. They fluctuate.

I personally think that if I wasn't such a homebody / recluse (lol), I'd be snatched up quickly. I think there are some things going against me, like lack of job. But I also think its not always that big a deal. It hadn't been to the men I actually dated in the past. Any who, I'm working on getting out of the apartment more. It is a goal of mine. A big goal. My purpose is to be with people, I believe.

Have a great day everyone. I'm turning off my computer.

[s4ndm4n2006]

I dont' think it's a need but that's a personal opinion. Needs to me are things I cannot live without and no matter how it may be painful at times, I can survive and live without both.

[FoghornsandFlannel]

I Would it make a difference if it was classified as a want?

[eskielover]

After 33 years in a bad marriage I honestly have no desire to have anyone in my life ever again. IF & ir is a huge IF, there wiuld be someone who comes into my life they would have to be close to perfect for me to even have any interest. For me it has to be a whole package of connection. I have no need to just have sexual needs met if all the emotional connection doesn't exist too.

Has nothing to do with asexual but ut has everything to do with my moral values I highly value in my life.

[howaitorozu]

Hmmm, when I think of "need" I think of something that everybody is owed and that the government should be held responsible for making sure everyone has. Healthcare, education, housing, etc. People don't act like sex and companionship are in this category and the government definitely doesn't.

I feel better and more settled about my situation. Thanks to everyone who responded.