To Every Person Who Can’t Handle Rejection,
Do you ever think about the first time you were rejected? Maybe it was by a friend in kindergarten? Or a high school boyfriend? Your number one college? The publication you wanted to work for? The career you wanted?
As you grow older, all these rejections will continue to add up, and the next one will always feel like a bigger issue than the last one. But I’ve learned that rejection is inevitable. There are far too many people in this world for you to be accepted by everyone, and that can be the a very painful realization. And how do you move on from that pain? Ask again later.
A part of me feels like I can recall every instance of rejection I’ve experienced. Even the littlest things that I couldn’t care less about, like being rejected by a guy. When it comes to guys, I honestly couldn’t care less if a guy does or doesn’t have feelings for me. It’s the whole concept of rejection and being rejected that I think hurts people the most when someone turns them down. Do you ever worry that a small and insignificant rejection symbolizes so much more about your life? Yeah, me too.
Recently, I’ve realized that I genuinely have a problem accepting rejection. I haven't been rejected any more times than most people my age. Everyone has likely experienced the same amount of rejection as I have, so why do I take it so personally? Why does it hit me so hard? Do you also ever feel like it hits you more than other people?
To put it simply, I think we just care too much. We overthink and worry far too much for our own good. Maybe it’s because we grew up with experiences that made us think this way. I’m not judging you for looking too much into things. It’s just a blessing and a curse all at the same time, which I’m sure you are already aware of.
A few weeks ago, I realized that the day I was born, I was “rejected.” I was left on the street in front of a police station the day I was born, or what was assumed to be the day I was born, but who knows. It never really bothered me that much when I was a child, and I had to say it, but it has come to my attention now more than ever, and I didn’t even ask for it. I had yet another instance of rejection, and the fact that this happened to me just came rushing back to me, which is something I know I have to deal with.
My rejection issues are a major work in progress. Dealing with the past that I don’t truly remember, but can’t seem to forget, is my problem. Maybe it is connected to my issues of rejection, maybe it isn’t. I honestly have no idea. But everyone has their own reason for why they cannot handle rejection. Whether that reason be a past event, overthinking, or simply emotional issues, every reason is a valid reason. But truly, this road of rejection has just begun, and it’s going to be a bumpy ride, a ride that we are unfortunately already on. Are you ready for it? Good, me neither.
Best,
The Girl Who Can’t Handle Rejection.
