The saddest misconception about Dean is that he wants to be needed. When it's the exact opposite. He wants so so so badly to not be needed so that he can be allowed to need instead.
Like I genuinely believe he's so self aware about his need for connection with others and how much he doesn't want that to happen under the condition of being needed. He knows that being needed is all he's ever been allowed. And he fucking wants out. But noone is hearing him.
On a related note, I think the reason people misunderstand him to want to be needed is because they think like this: "Dean wants to be needed so that people will stay."
But I just disagree. Because everyone has always needed him and noone ever stayed. Being needed does not lead to his needs being considered in the slightest. John needed him and abandoned him all the time. Sammy needed him so much and he left. More importantly, he specifically didn't want to be in contact with Dean. Even when he needed him. Being needed is a one way street for Dean.
On the other hand, being wanted is more likely to imply that someone will accept him and his needs for once. And it's affirming too. For once , he wants to matter to someone. Enough to be wanted and liked.
