How to Get Over the Humiliation of Being Rejected

Rejection hurts. Unfortunately, being rejected is a normal part of life, and the anger, pain and humiliation that come with rejection can cast a pall over even the most basic daily activities. However, that anger, pain and humiliation don't have to linger. Realize that rejection is normal and not necessarily a reflection on you personally and take steps to forgive, move on, and focus on the future.

Instructions

• 1

  Forgive the person who rejected you, and forgive yourself for being rejected. A rejection typically isn't a malicious attempt to hurt you, nor is it a sign that you've done something wrong or somehow don't measure up. Often there are any number of unimaginable reasons that someone, whether a potential date or employer, has turned you down, that have nothing to do with you at all.

• 2

  Realize it may not be personal. A person may have any number of reasons for rejecting you, not all of which involve you directly. A potential date may have had a bad day, or a potential employer may have realized they don't have the budget to fill an open position.

• 3

  Turn your attention to the future, whether it be setting new goals or trying new activities. Focus on yourself by using the opportunity to stay busy. For example, if you feel your lack of skill in a second language cost you a job, use the rejection as motivation to enhance your proficiency in a new language.

• 4

  Move on and de-stress. Focusing on rejection can lead to negative thoughts and anxiety. Realize that you could just as easily focus on all of the positive things in your life, and your positive qualities. Visualize success the next time. Try a stress-relieving activity like yoga or art to take your mind off of the rejection.