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.
Why can't the house be more organized?
Feelings: frustration, anxious, exasperated
Needs: order, structure, efficiency, support
Why can't I get my ducks in a row?
Feelings: apprehensive, overwhelmed
Needs: sustenance, meaning
Why aren't you listening to me?
Feelings: frustrated, disappointed
Needs: acknowledgment, respect
Why are you being so argumentative?
Feelings: frustration, confusion
Needs: connection, clarity, understanding
Why am I never good enough?
Feelings: disillusioned, disturbed, ashamed, sad
Needs: acceptance, reassurance, celebration, to be seen/heard, appreciation
Who wants to be near amazon size?!
Feelings: shame, grief, hurt
Needs: belonging, acceptance, being seen/heard, love
When you really know me, you won't love me.
Feelings: apprehensive, ashamed, anxious
Needs: acceptance, love, bonding, dependability
We should be on time.
Feelings: anxious, impatient, embarrassed
Needs: consideration, support, respect, community
We have to go to work and sit in a cubicle all day. That's the way life is!
Feelings: frustration, despair
Needs: acceptance, harmony
Trapped - I feel trapped
Feelings: torn, anxious, hopeless, resentful
Needs: autonomy, support, clarity, mutuality
There is nothing I can do!
Feelings: hopeless, resigned, discouraged, grief
Needs: hope, support, clarity, mourning
The trouble with you is that you can't accept authority.
Feelings: agitated, nervous, resentful
Needs: clarity, cooperation, mutuality, contribution
That's what you get for being unprepared!
Feelings: exasperated, frustrated
Needs: efficiency, competence
That's not whole-hearted effort!
Feelings: disappointed, discouraged
Needs: authenticity, integrity
Taking care of my neck is not an excuse for not teaching this quarter.
Feelings: guilty, confused
Needs: contribution, integrity, honesty