Jackal Dictionary
Part of cultivating compassion is learning to hear the feelings and needs people are expressing regardless of the words they use. This dictionary is meant to help you in that process. If you are having difficulty guessing the feelings and needs behind someone's words, you can enter the words or phrase into the Jackal Dictionary search engine. A list of possible feelings and needs will pop up for you to consider. If you don't find a phrase you are looking for, email it to us and we will add it to the dictionary.
I feel disrespected!
Feelings: angry, hurt, disheartened
Needs: respect, consideration, acknowledgement, appreciation
I didn't tell you, because I knew it would make you mad!
Feelings: worried, agitated
Needs: safety, consideration, peace
I can't explain what's going on for me.
Feelings: confused, overwhelmed
Needs: clarity, connection
I can't do this anymore! I can't take the pressure!
Feelings: overwhelmed, alone
Needs: connection, support, choice
I can't do anything right for you!
Feelings: hurt, angry, baffled
Needs: acknowledgment, appreciation, to be seen/heard, ease
I am worthless!
Feelings: dejected, depressed
Needs: purpose, love, community, self-connection, compassion
I am too needy!
Feelings: overwhelmed, embarrassed, ashamed
Needs: clarity, acceptance, community, compassion, empathy
I am such a wimp!
Feelings: discouraged, frustrated
Needs: competence, clarity, support, empowerment
I am stuck, and can't be free.
Feelings: disheartened, exhausted, worried, hopeless
Needs: choice, support, clarity, compassion, empowerment
I am so lazy!
Feelings: shame, guilt, anger
Needs: aliveness, connection, inspiration, contribution, empowerment
I am a boring person.
Feelings: ashamed, disconnected, despondent
Needs: friendship, play, connection, discovery, community
I am a bad person.
Feelings: shame, guilt, depression
Needs: acceptance, healing, empathy, love
How could you let them take advantage of you?!
Feelings: frightened, disappointed, appalled
Needs: honesty, fairness, independence
How are you going to fix this?
Feelings: frustrated, disappointed
Needs: safety, trust, support, clarity
They are a bully!
Feelings: angry, indignant, disillusioned
Needs: fairness, autonomy, honor
He's so manipulative!
Feelings: angry, scared, confused, disappointed
Needs: honesty, collaboration, respect, mutuality
He's mental!
Feelings: anxious, angry, resentful, hurt
Needs: consideration, predictability, security, healing
He has a bad attitude about women!
Feelings: anger, disappointment
Needs: consideration, equality, respect