The need to be known in one's particularity — not
generically appreciated, included, or responded to,
but met as a specific person with a specific inner
life, pace, and way of being. The distinction is
between being *received* and being genuinely *met*.
Distinct from [[Need - Belonging]], which is about
inclusion. This need is specifically about recognition
of individuality — having one's particular self
registered and responded to.
## Feelings that signal this need is unmet
[[Lonely]] | [[Invisible]] | [[Resentful]]
[[Withdrawn]] | [[Disconnected]] | [[Angry]]
## How it commonly manifests
Can arise in any context — professional, social,
intimate — where engagement is generic rather than
particular. In intimate contexts, enthusiasm or
attention that does not register the specific person
can paradoxically increase a sense of distance.
## Values filter question
*Is this interaction creating genuine contact,
or am I present only as a role or function?*
## Related needs
[[Need - Mutuality]] | [[Need - Authenticity]]
[[Need - Presence]] | [[Need - Understanding]]
[[Need - Belonging]]