Feelings and Needs List (Download PDF)
This page contains three lists that you can use when practising Nonviolent Communication:
- List of Feelings when needs are met
- List of Feelings when needs are not met
- List of Needs
Download a PDF with the Feelings and Needs list here for your own use. The download includes also a fourth list of Quasi-feelings.
Equanimity also provides a Feelings and Needs card set that can be used in training and coaching. Here you can read a practical explanation of how you can practise with Feelings and Needs.
Here you can read more about Nonviolent communication and our Nonviolent communication training courses.
List of Feelings associated with fulfilled needs
LOVING
Warm-hearted, Kind, Compassionate, Gentle, Empathetic, Tender, Warm
GRATEFUL
Appreciative, Moved, Satisfied, Touched, Deeply moved
ENGAGED
Attentive, Alert, Curious, Captivated, Enchanted, Fascinated, Interested, Intrigued, Engaged, Stimulated
INSPIRED
Amazed, Astonished, Curious, Surprised, Intrigued
EXCITED
Surprised, Amused, Fiery, Elated, Bewildered, Eager, Energetic, Enthusiastic, Passionate, Surprised, Lively, Passionate
CHEERFUL
Amused, Euphoric, Happy, Joyful, Delighted, Content, Frivolous
PEACEFUL
Calm, Equanimous, Happy, Clear, At my leisure, In balance, Content, Serene, Fulfilled, Calm, Quiet, Relaxed, Relieved, Rested
ENERGETIC
Ecstatic, Blissful, Cheerful, Excited, Exuberant, Enthusiastic, Delighted
RESTED
Fit, Lively, Recharged, Renewed, Calm, Recovered, Refreshed
SELF-ASSURED
Strong, Confident, Open, Proud, Secure, Healthy, Decisive, Powerful, Determined, Self-assured
HOPEFUL
Full of anticipation, Empowered, Optimistic
List of Feelings associated with unmet needs
SCARED
Fearful, Anxious, Dismayed, Suspicious, Panicked, Startled, Anxious
ABSENT
Alienated, Reserved, Apathic, Bored, Distant, Indifferent, Empty
TIRED
Exhausted, Listless, Tired, Worn out, Helpless
ANXIOUS
Scared, Grumpy, Sad, Confused, Irritable, Grumpy, Frustrated, Annoyed, Nervous, Stressed
FRUSTRATION
Irritation, Annoyed, Irritated, Baffled, Dissatisfied, Displeased, Frustrated, Impatient
ANGER
Rage, Furious, Enraged, Outraged, Resentful
AVERSION
Hostile, Bewildered, Contempt, Hatred, Shocked, Disgust, Bitter
LONGING
Envious, Jealous, Nostalgic, Melancholic, Empty
UNCOMFORTABLE
Grumpy, Confused, Guilty, Self-conscious, Small, Ashamed
CONFUSED
Uncertain, Ambivalent, Doubtful, Lost, Bewildered, Torn
SAD
Depressed, Downcast, Gloomy, Down, Desperate, Disappointed, Abandoned, Lost, Melancholic, Unhappy
VULNERABLE
Fragile, Helpless, Insecure, Reserved, Sensitive, Unstable, Shaky, Shy
PAIN
Tormented, Broken, Grief, Lonely, Miserable, Regret, Remorse
ANXIETY
Confused, Startled, Restless, In shock, Stressed, Surprised, Anxious, Uncomfortable, Flustered, Nervous, Upset
List of Needs
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
Touch, Movement, Physical exertion, Rest, Sleep, Sexual expression, Safety, Shelter, Protection, Health, Air, Relaxation
HONESTY
Autonomy, Authenticity, Congruence, Integrity, Openness
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Independence, Space, Spontaneity, Freedom of movement
CONNECTION
Acceptance, Affection, Attention, Communication, Community, Companionship, Compassion, Sharing, Empathy, Belonging, Inclusion, Intimacy, Love, Reciprocity, Respect, Cooperation, Support, Recognition, Seeing and being seen, Hearing and being heard, Trust, Safety, Security, Appreciation
FUN
Humour, Light-heartedness
MEANING
Understanding, Challenge, Clarity, Competence, Awareness, Contribution, Creativity, Discovery, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Growth, Learning, Grieving, Personal development, Perspective, Self-expression, Celebrating, Progress
HARMONY
Community, Convenience, Equality, Reassurance, Peace, Predictability, Inspiration, Structure








Want to order Equanimity cards?
The emotion cards and needs cards from the training courses are now available to order. The cards are in stock in Dutch, German and English. Other languages can be produced on request.
Order