The need to feel accepted and welcomed within a group — not as an outsider performing membership, but as someone whose presence is genuinely wanted. A felt sense of "there is a place for me here" that doesn't require earning or proving oneself repeatedly. Distinct from [[Need - Connection]], which is about the quality of intimate contact with specific others. Belonging operates at the level of the wider group — the community, team, family, or culture — and carries a stronger element of safety in being known and still accepted. ## Feelings that signal this need is unmet [[Knowledge/Lonely]] | [[Withdrawn]] | [[Invisible]] [[Disconnected]] | [[Knowledge/Ashamed]] ## How it commonly manifests Most clearly when someone is physically present but feels they don't quite fit — reading social codes they weren't taught, sensing their contributions are tolerated rather than valued, or watching in-group rituals they can't access. Can also show up as over-accommodation: reshaping oneself to match the group's expectations so as not to be excluded. ## Values filter question *Do I feel I belong here as I am, or am I performing a version of myself to stay?* ## Related needs [[Need - Connection]] | [[Need - To Be Seen]] [[Need - Safety]] | [[Need - Presence]]