From the workplace to romance to friends, everything you need to know about rejection – and how to move on from itRejection is an inevitable part of the human experience, but despite suffering major and minor rebuffs throughout our lives, every time it happens still feels painful. From the first “no thanks” from someone you fancy at school to the kick in the stomach of a “we have decided to move forward with another candidate” letter, every rejection dents our ego.Humans are hardwired to crave acceptance. “It’s in our blood,” says Hilda Burke, a psychotherapist, couples counsellor and author. In early human societies, she explains, “to be rejected by your community would have posed a serious threat, as individuals did not have the resources to survive alone. We are pack animals.” Continue reading...
Rejection, processed similarly to physical pain, can lead to negative self-fulfilling prophecies. Coping strategies include: preparing for rejection, focusing on controllable responses, reassessing skills, building a "rejection toolkit" by practicing gratitude, recognizing rejection isn't always personal, leaning into emotions without letting them define you through therapy, journaling, or talking to friends, focusing on personal development, and aligning actions with values. Open communication is vital, especially for children, to address shame.
