The difference between 'I want' and 'I would like'

This is a bit of an excursion into linguistics, and I hope you’ll find some solace in the knowledge that it will lead to decluttering about halfway into this blog. Maybe you are intrigued by this change in pace, though. Good for you!

Why bring this discussion up in a decluttering blog? Well, it’s an important consideration when it comes to making decisions on adding to what you own. A consideration that I would think of as being much more difficult to make than the distinction between ‘I need’ or ‘I want’…

Now that we are on the highway to linguistics, let’s have a look at the definition to clarify the difference:

• ‘I want’ implies that the person has a strong desire, a demand almost and expects to achieve it;
• ‘I would like’ is less demanding and implies that while the person would like something they do not expect it to happen.

How does this translate into acquiring stuff?

When you go out with the intention to buy something, you usually do so with a clear intention. There are different levels of need, want and would like in the process:

• You might need a new pair of shoes because your old pair is falling apart. No discussion there, the only consideration of ‘want’ is at the point where you make a choice of different shoes that you find.

If, however, you go out with the idea of looking at shoes you might end up considering if you are going to buy a pair even though it may not be strictly necessary. This is where the thought process usually ends, because you don’t make a distinction between ‘I want’ and ‘I would like’! Let’s apply the definitions to the situation:

• You want those shoes = ‘you have a strong desire, and expect to buy them’. This would imply that you couldn’t possibly live without them (which is not true, see above) and you really have not given any thought to the question if you need them, really.
• You would like those shoes = ‘you could see yourself wear them but not really expect this to happen’. This would imply that on a sentimental level you could see yourself buy them, but really you are either not really attached to the idea or you have practical reasons which make you not expect this to happen.

If we dissect those two situations, the clear difference is that the first one (want) could be seen as an impulse buy, whereas in the second case (would like) you are more likely to consider you means and the situation you currently find yourself in and ask important questions like: ‘Can I afford those shoes?’, ‘Do they fit my wardrobe?’, ‘Are they necessary?’

On a deeper level, you might even end up asking yourself things like ‘Why do I feel like buying these shoes in the first place, I can’t really afford them?’, ‘Would I feel bad if I don’t buy them?’ and similar questions. You’ll agree these are important ones, and the kind of question that is often overlooked in a shopping environment.

Considering this difference between ‘I want’ and ‘I would like’ on occasion will most certainly help you out in a situation where you have to decide if you really are going to buy something. Give it a go and try it out…

If you have enjoyed reading this, you may find these other articles interesting:

• Following your ambitions
• Removing distractions from your workplace
• Ever heard of Death Cleaning?