Are You Suffering From Rejection?

Though we don’t like to admit this, many of us are suffering from the effects of rejection. You may find yourself saying, “well I just got on with life” but have you really? By the way, just because you have physically moved on is no indication that same has taken place emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.


Consider the impact the following situations may have had on you:

• Your partner (husband, boyfriend, fiancé, father of your kids) walking out on you?

• One or more of your parents/guardians making you feel that you were/are not important to them?

• Your friends, family, or spouse who are never available when you need help.

• Your spouse rejecting you.

• No one showing interest in you e.g. romantically.

• You did not get the promotion at work or the business deal/client despite you working long hours, hard work, dedication, high performance, etc.

• You keep getting knocked back.

• You feel your are being ostracized for being 'different'.

Whilst you might say, “well I just got on with life”. Have you really? By the way, just because you have physically moved on is no indication that same has taken place emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. How can you tell if you have accumulated emotional baggage from your experiences? It’s simple! Watch your attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Here are some clues:

• You blame yourself though the issue may not lie with you.

• You reject others before they get a chance to reject you.

• You avoid any situations that might result in rejection (e.g. don’t apply for the job/promotion, avoid committing to a relationships, etc).

• You conform to what you feel others would accept.

When we experience rejection, we (consciously or not) endeavour to protect ourselves and/or deal with our situation (e.g. through the use of coping behaviours). The problem is that our chosen method may do us more harm that good. Moreover, when we fail to deal with our feelings of rejection, we may develop low self-worth, become insecure, loose our identity, become angry, obsessive, and much more. In short, you end up with more baggage!

So I encourage you, take a moment to reflect on whether you are suffering from rejection. Because whether you like it or not, it will become a stumbling block to your progress.