Many people confuse need with want. I try not to do that.
How? I listen. I listen to people and what I can do to help them meet their needs. I listen to my body. I don't always do what it would like; but, I do listen. Like right now, I'm hungry. I'm not getting up and making dinner for my husband and me. I'm playing on aneswerMug with you all instead:) That goes with all my bodies needs, not just hunger.
When? As far as materialistic things like, clothes, cameras, phones, etc., I wait until they are on their last legs or it costs more to repair them than to buy a new one. I used to think those items were luxuries, now it seems they are all necessities. When it comes to buying clothes, I've never been into trendy stuff. I'm more of a 501, t-shirt sort of wizard. I'm in the process of cleaning out my closet right now and taking them to the animal shelter for donations.
Why? I'm trying to clear out the clutter and live by the less is best motto.
I might be able to ignore my hunger pains but not my husband's hungry eyes ;) I'm off to cook dinner. Have fun! :)
Nifty reply Merlin for which I thank you. I pity the bottomless pit folks. The ones who never have enough and always NEED more. They lack something they try to supply it by buying/having MORE things. I wonder if that is a communicable disease? If you hang out with such folks you get infected. Or is it rather birds of a feather flock together? I guess it matters not. It's nice to know what you need and when you have it. It's also nice to know what you'd like to have and sometimes getting that is nice too. But the constant hunger for more that is ceaseless? That is not a life I want to live. Happy Sunday to you! :)
Merlin 