From the workplace to romance to friends, everything you need to know about rejection – and how to move on from it
Rejection 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.”
About Author
More Stories
I haven’t told my parents I have cancer, as I fear they will say something hurtful | Ask Annalisa Barbieri
How much do you spend on health and wellness a month?
I do aqua aerobics with women in their 80s – it’s the most fun I’ve had exercising | Kate Leaver