Fear of rejection can affect how a person feels about his or herself, the
way they treat others, and even the way they view life.
Root of the problem
The cause could have stemmed from a bad experience
in childhood. Being a kid who never really fit in with the other children, or the one who always got
picked last for softball teams can have lasting effects.
It could leave the child with a low self-esteem, and the feeling that he/she is not wanted.
This is also applicable to those children who were put up for adoption, and as a consequence passed from foster
home to foster home. They develop serious emotional and psychological issues that can lead to a fear of rejection.
Recognizing signs of rejection
People who suffer from this affliction tend to blow things out of proportion. A simple misunderstanding can
become a source of a big argument!
These individuals have a tendency to read too much into things thereby making it difficult for those around
them to respond in a natural manner without feeling like they are doing something wrong to the person suffering.
The additional problem with fear of rejection is that it can lead to other unhealthy behavioral patterns.
Having a fear of rejection can make a person become obsessive or “clingy” over the people they have in their lives.
This could potentially be detrimental to a relationship. Given that the other person might feel the strain of
this emotional baggage, or become suffocated as a result of this behavior.
Potential friends might find this type of attitude annoying. Positive attributes can be overshadowed by the
manifested undesirable behaviors. Worse, the individual may reject others who want to be a part of their life.
In their minds they are convinced with the inevitability of rejection that they do it to others first. This
then becomes a vicious cycle in a relationship, and will end up hurting all of the parties involved.
How to conquer the fear or rejection
Fear of rejection is strongly connected to low self-esteem and lack self-confidence.
Sufferers are reluctant to engage in relationships because in their
minds they are already assuming that at some point or another that they will be abandoned. This leads them to
simply withdraw from making contact.
The individuals need to develop higher self-esteem and a sense of self worth. Doing so will vastly improve their outlook
in life. Find a sport or hobby or other interest to concentrate on and feel good about. Work out to get yourself in
better shape. Make an efort to quite smoking or lose weight. Become a runner and enter a 5K race.
Try learning a musical instrument.
Anything that brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.
People who are suffering from fear of rejection should get over this by accepting themselves first. Once
they have learned to appreciate and bestow the right amount of self worth on themselves they will begin the road
to recovery.
NEXT: Overcoming fear of failure
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