What Does it Mean to be Rejected?
When you hear the word rejection you may think of a denied job application or a failed relationship. People can experience rejection in many ways; through bullying, an unfaithful relationship, social isolation, abandonment, etc. Check out dnglosangeles.com for more information.
Rejection is the act of not accepting, believing, or considering something, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. To better understand what it means to be rejected consider the following synonyms:
- Dismissal
- Exclusion
- Shunning
- Avoidance
- Turning Down
- Refusal
Rejection and its synonyms appear extremely negative, and for a good reason. Many studies have proven that the feeling of rejection closely resembles the feeling of physical pain in the body! It can be disheartening to know that everyone will experience some form of rejection in their life. It could be argued that being dismissed in a relationship is one of the worst ways to experience rejection.
Experiencing Rejection in a Relationship
While all forms of rejection are painful, rejection in a relationship often comes with additional baggage. If you have feelings for a close friend, but they do not reciprocate these feelings; this can lead to awkwardness and sometimes a loss of friendship. Dealing with rejection is hard, and dealing with the aftermath is even harder.
Another example: your partner will not initiate sex or intimacy. While this does not sound horrific right away, it can affect your relationship over time. It can become burdensome to ask your partner for intimacy. Not only is it burdensome, but it may elicit feelings of nonacceptance and low self-esteem. According to Psychology Today, “Indeed, being repeatedly rejected by your partner can damage your self-esteem and psychological health—and endanger the entire relationship.” If you want to learn more about the causes and effects of rejection, consider reading medically-reviewed BetterHelp articles!
How to Overcome Rejection
Talk to Your Partner
When you experience rejection, you may have the urge to isolate yourself. Isolating yourself will not help you overcome feelings of rejection, especially in a relationship. Take the time to talk to your partner about feelings of unacceptance in the relationship. Draw their attention to any major reoccurrences and their effect on you. Once your partner has heard your side of the story, you can respectfully make demands. Communicate your feelings, so that you both are on the same page. Look out for the signs that she doesn’t love you anymore.
Focus on Self-Care
When you feel the pain of rejection, it can be tempting to curl in on yourself and give up. You mustn’t lose all hope because of rejection. Self-care can help you find joy in your circumstance of shame and anger. Taking the time to participate in activities that you love can immediately boost your mood and improve your resilience. For example, taking a yoga class or working on a puzzle are two good examples of relaxing self-care activities. Other activities may include baking or hanging out with friends. Self-care can take your mind off of rejection, and it can improve your overall wellbeing.
Seek Professional Counseling
In some instances, communication and self-care will not be enough to combat feelings of rejection. Whether you are dealing with infidelity or abandonment, professional counseling can aid you and your relationship. Depending on your circumstance, you may attend therapy with your partner or alone. Either way, a therapist can guide you through understanding the root of your rejection and how to overcome it.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.