The need to be and express oneself genuinely — without performance, concealment, or conforming to an image that does not reflect actual experience. The need for one's outer expression to be consistent with inner reality. Distinct from [[Need - To Be Seen]], which is about being recognised by others. Authenticity is primarily an internal need — the need for integrity between what is felt and what is expressed, regardless of whether it is witnessed. ## Feelings that signal this need is unmet [[Disconnected]] | [[Restless]] | [[Resentful]] [[Invisible]] | [[Ashamed]] | [[Withdrawn]] ## How it commonly manifests A sense of performing rather than being — of managing one's presentation rather than expressing genuine experience. Can produce a peculiar kind of loneliness even in company, because the self that is present is not the real one. ## Values filter question *Am I expressing what I actually experience, or what seems expected or safe?* ## Related needs [[Need - To Be Seen]] | [[Need - Integrity]] [[Need - Meaning]] | [[Need - Autonomy]]