The need for experience to carry significance — to feel that what one does, experiences, or participates in matters in some larger sense. Not necessarily grand or philosophical meaning, but the felt sense that an experience has weight and relevance beyond mere occurrence. Distinct from [[Need - Contribution]], which is specifically about making a difference to others. Meaning can be inward — the personal significance of an experience — as much as outward. ## Feelings that signal this need is unmet [[Restless]] | [[Disconnected]] | [[Despairing]] [[Withdrawn]] | [[Irritable]] ## How it commonly manifests A sense of going through the motions — of experiences passing without landing. Can manifest as restlessness, inability to engage fully, or a background flatness even in circumstances that should be satisfying. In intimate contexts, the need for meaning often shows up as a requirement that encounters feel genuinely significant — not merely physical or functional. ## Values filter question *Does this carry sufficient significance for me to be genuinely present in it?* ## Related needs [[Need - Authenticity]] | [[Need - Growth]] [[Need - Contribution]] | [[Need - Presence]]