when do the needs of others become more important than what an individual wants for him or herself?
340929
when the end result is one that benefits the most people rather than just one.
597763
Yes, very much so.  Are we really paying attention to what is important?  NO, not most of the time.  What is important is how good we feel about ourselves from within and not what society tells us is good.  We have to learn to reject someone else's idea that influences and in turn makes us feel bad about ourselves.
421828
Maybe that way they won't feel so old or if they can do things for them self's than they can do things for others. That can make them feel wanted and needed. And that is very important for them.
288079
It depends on the individual, how much they value their life and their quality of life.
140978
Additionaly to what was just said, a self-centered person has to have everything done his/her way.  There is no room for comprimise.  A self-centered person really only loves his or her self.  There is no concept of self-sacrifice.  If there is nothing to be gained for the self-centered person, that one will not do something.  Self-centered persons don't truly love other people, except as it is to their own advantage.
1038866
Be more considerate of others. When people care about others it spreads and affects everything around them.
1658
That's the life. People easily take but hardly give. But if you have lots of friends (true friends), they will certainly help you.\nBtw, you help other people NOT because you want to be helped by others, don't you?
512064
There are many different kids of needs. I am guessing you are a psychology student. You should have asked from which theorist. Anyway, Maslow for example has two types of needs: growth needs and deficiency needs. At the bottom are deficiency needs including physiological needs (food, drinks), safety needs (security, psychological safety), belongingness and love needs (affiliation, acceptance, affection), esteem needs (approval and recognition). Then we get into the three growth needs: cognitive needs (knowledge, understanding), aesthetic needs (beauty, symmetry), and finally self-actualization. In order for the latter needs to be achieved, the ones prior must be met. It works like a "need hierarchy". Although this might not be what you are looking for, it's a start
104804
Some people are of low character, and don't know how to get what they want without using people.  Some use people to fill a vacuum in their own life.  Without feeling much to give, they take, take, take.
715946
The quote I live by is my own through this here journey."Necessity out weighs Want"! Basically saying for me take priority to supply the needs and that, you should want what you need. Try It, It Works!
1088829
Sometimes a significant other needs to understand that there are two important people in a relationship, not just one.  If he is a worthy boyfriend he will find a matue way of accepting your needs and desires, even if those needs slow him down a little.  It's certainly not an unreasonable request you have.  Reading between the lines of your letter (if that's possible) I sense that between the two of you, you tend to give more importance to the other person's ego, needs, etc, than your own.  Men can sense that and men will take advantage of some ladies if you continually put him first and you last.  I would rethink your positioning in the relationship and not feel guilty about imposing you own rules, desires, comfort level needs.
52578
Always consider their current and future needs and wants.\nIf that person is selfish or not considered then forget it.
597006
A person can only determine what is to much for himself, not what's to much for others
997201
I think most people love someone more then themselves. If they dontthen they are missing an important part of life.
997431
Its called being codependant.  Feeling the need to help others with their own issues to the point of ignoring our own.  Often without being asked.  Read up on codependency, i did just a little while back and my goodness it explained alot.
348056
Power to change the selfish thoughts of people to make them helpful to other persons.
690966
whoever comes to your need without asking is an angel sent by god.it happens many times in our life.somebody unknown comes to our help. without expecting anything from us they give us helping hand.