Want vs. Need

Every day on my way home I pass Crowell's Market, which sells both liquor and food. I really needed pasta sauce, as I didn't have any this morning when I went to dump it in the crockpot. But as I was approaching it, I admitted to myself the chances were very great I would walk out with a nice bottle of pinot noir. And while I very much wanted some vino to ease the stress of the week, I didn't really need it. As I couldn't trust myself to come out only with pasta sauce, I went home and made do with what I had (not very much). That got me thinking, as I was rolling my turkey meatballs together (I've got to put more flour in those things, they don't stay in a ball at all) about the difference between want and need.

I wanted wine, but I was good enough to realize I didn't need it.

I want a tropical vacation on some Carribean Island. I need some quiet R&R time, though not necessarily on a beach.

I want a Lexus RX 400 hybrid. I don't need a new car.

I want a new shirt to wear when I go out. I need work pants

I want a house. I don't need anything more than my condo.

I want to go back in time and buy stock of Bershire Hathaway. I need to go back in time and buy stock of Berkshire Hathaway