When we think of needs, we tend to think of the barest essentials to keep from dying. Air, water, food – and sometimes shelter is thrown in there. And those definitely are essential. But they aren’t the only needs people have. To be able to become your truest, fully actualized self, other needs must be met, as well. The Center for Nonviolent Communication has a list of needs that expands far past just the physical. https://www.cnvc.org/training/resource/needs-inventory The longest category on the list is Connection. We have a need for connection, for belonging, for communication. We need to be seen and heard for what matters to us. Being heard is a basic human need. Meet your needs.