Ever notice how getting rejected stops some people from trying again, while others bounce back from rejection stronger than before? We all know how awful it feels, and everyone experiences it at least once. Maybe you just went through an awful break-up, maybe the "spark" has gone out in your relationship or maybe the person you love cheated on you. Whatever the reason, getting rejected really hurts. If you have been hit with a really bad rejection, you might even felt faint and unable to move.
If you want to get over those feelings, here are the best ways to handle rejection.
Take time to process it
Before you start to get over rejection, understand why being rejected hurts so much. Trying to move forward when you are still emotionally raw usually doesn't work that well. Take some time to process and wrap your head around the situation.
Yes, it hurts! Suppressing your emotions will only make them come out doubly afterwards. Because rejection is embarrassing, disappointing and discouraging, it makes you feel awful. If you acknowledge your emotions, then the pain of rejection will eventually go away. If you, on the other hand, try to push it down and keep it bottled up, it will pop up at unexpected times and can make you moody or angry.
Focus on yourself
Learning how to create your own happiness is a key part of overcoming rejection. When you're feeling worthless, don't get stuck dwelling in it, dragging yourself through self-doubt and negativity. Instead, focus on your passions, hobbies and interests. Create your own happiness and enjoy your life alone.
If you don't have interests which you enjoy alone, it is important to begin exploring and finding more. It is especially important for your own independence that you explore new potential interests.
Don't make it personal
Most people blame themselves when they get rejected. They think they were rejected because they weren't good enough -- not attractive enough, not smart enough, not personable enough. It is important to understand that if a person rejects you, there could be a lot of reasons behind that rejection. Another individual's opinion does not define your self-worth.
Share your feelings
Another great way to process the emotional pain of rejection is to talk about it with the people you trust. So, share how you're feeling -- even if it's to just to admit that you're hurting. It can help you to release your pent up emotions and to see the situation with clear and sober eyes. Sharing your feelings can be therapeutic, but it can also allow you to start figuring out how to move on from it.
Learn the lesson
Finding a lesson in every rejection can help you leave the negative emotions behind and move forward positively. You may find your lesson while talking about your rejection with your friend, while journaling about it, or even while thinking about what you would do if you found yourself in the same situation again. You can change your behavior for the next time and become more secure in who you are, so that rejection doesn't rock you as hard next time around.
Remember that the pain of rejection won't last forever. It's much better to be rejected than to be with someone who is not committed seriously to the relationship. Being rejected is being freed from a situation that was not a good fit, so you can prepare for one that is better.
If you have been rejected, what helped you get over it? Share with us in your comments below.