The Feelings and Needs Inventory of Nonviolent Communication

The Following Feelings and Needs Words are the perfect way to begin learning Self-Empathy, Empathy and the other components of The 6 Part Conversation©

The Feelings and Needs Inventory of Nonviolent Communication® developed by Marshall Rosenberg Ph.D.

To utilize these lists in the most effective way please consider the following:

  1. You are free to use these or additional words that reflect the uncomfortable feelings you have. All of these fall into 3 basic categories: Fear, Anger and Sadness
  2. When you look at your Feelings be sure they are true feeling words and not stories such as “victimized”, “disempowered” etc.
  3. When you identify you8r unmet Needs notice that each of these Needs words is a “positive” word.
Feelings we may experience when our Needs are not being met.
AFRAIDApprehensiveDread

Foreboding

Frightened

Mistrustful

Petrified

Scared

Suspicious

Terrified

Wary

Worried

 

ANNOYED

Aggravated

Dismayed

Disgruntled

Displeased

Exasperated

Frustrated

Impatient

Irritated

Irked

 

ANGRY

Enraged

Furious

Incensed

Indignant

Irate

Livid

Outraged

Resentful

 

AVERSION

Animosity

Appalled

Contempt

Disgusted

Dislike

Hate

Horrified

Hostile

Repulsed

 

CONFUSED

Ambivalent

Baffled

Bewildered

Dazed

Hesitant

Lost

Mystified

Perplexed

Puzzled

Torn

DISCONNECTEDAlienatedAloof

Apathetic

Bored

Cold

Detached

Distant

Distracted

Indifferent

Numb

Removed

Uninterested

Withdrawn

 

DISQUIET

Agitated

Alarmed

Discombobulated

Disconcerted

Disturbed

Perturbed

Rattled

Restless

Shocked

Startled

Surprised

Troubled

Turbulent

Turmoil

Uncomfortable

Uneasy

Unnerved

Unsettled

Upset

 

EMBARRASSED

Ashamed

Chagrined

Flustered

Guilty

Mortified

 

FATIQUE

Beat

Burnt out

Depleted

Exhausted

Lethargic

Listless

Sleepy

Tired

Weary

Worn out

 

 

PAINAgonyAnguished

Bereaved

Devastated

Grief

Heartbroken

Hurt

Lonely

Miserable

Regretful

Remorseful

 

SAD

Depressed

Dejected

Despair

Despondent

Disappointed

Discouraged

Disheartened

Forlorn

Gloomy

Heavy hearted

Hopeless

Melancholy

Unhappy

Wretched

 

TENSE

Anxious

Cranky

Distressed

Distraught

Edgy

Fidgety

Frazzled

Irritable

Jittery

Nervous

Overwhelmed

Restless

Stressed out

 

VULNERABLE

Fragile

Guarded

Helpless

Insecure

Leery

Reserved

Sensitive

Shaky

 

YEARNING

Envious

Jealous

Longing

Nostalgic

Pining

Wistful

Needs that may be the cause of our Feelings
CONNECTIONAcceptanceAffection

Appreciation

Belonging

Cooperation

Communication

Closeness

Community

Companionship

Compassion

Consideration

Consistency

Empathy

Inclusion

Intimacy

Love

Mutuality

Nurturing

Respect/Self-respect

Safety

Security

Stability

Support

To know and be known

To see and be seen

To understand and be understood

Trust

Warmth

 

 

HONESTYAuthenticityIntegrity

Presence

 

PLAY

Joy

Humor

 

PEACE

Beauty

Communion

Ease

Equality

Harmony

Inspiration

Order

 

PHYICAL WELL-BEING

Air

Food

Movement/exercise

Rest/sleep

Sexual expression

Safety

Shelter

Touch

Water

MEANINGAwarenessCelebration of life

Challenge

Clarity

Competence

Consciousness

Contribution

Creativity

Discovery

Efficacy

Effectiveness

Growth

Hope

Learning

Mourning

Participation

Purpose

Self-expression

Stimulation

To matter

Understanding

 

AUTONOMY

Choice

Freedom

Independence

Space

Spontaneity