Hey there! 👋 It’s your girl, Leslie, and today we’re going to be diving deep into the topic of rejection. 🤕 Rejection is a difficult emotion to handle and can often leave us feeling negative, unmotivated and uninspired. 😔 However, did you know that there is actual science behind how we handle rejection? In this blog post, we’ll uncover the theories behind rejection and help you understand how to deal with rejection in a healthy and effective manner.

Theories of Rejection

First and foremost, let’s touch base on some theories of rejection. 🤔 Research suggests that our reactions to rejection stem from our beliefs and expectations of our relationships and the reasons behind the rejection. Some of the most common theories are:

  • Belongingness Theory

This theory suggests that as humans, we have an innate need to feel accepted and connected to others. When we experience rejection, our sense of belonging is threatened and therefore, we can experience emotional pain.

  • Self-Esteem Theory

This theory argues that rejection can hurt our self-esteem and confidence as it may feel like a personal attack on our worth as an individual.

  • Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Lastly, this theory suggests that rejection can create cognitive dissonance within us, which means that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are in conflict with each other. This can lead to feelings of confusion, frustration and stress.

A picture of a sad person sitting on a bench alone

How to Handle Rejection

Now that we’ve established the different theories of rejection, it’s important to understand how to handle it. Here are a few tips:

  • Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions

It’s okay to feel upset, sad or frustrated when you experience rejection. Allow yourself to feel those emotions and don’t try to suppress them. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings in order to move past them.

  • Reframe your thoughts

Instead of focusing on what went wrong and why you were rejected, try to reframe your thoughts in a positive light. Perhaps the rejection is an opportunity to grow, learn and improve.

  • Engage in self-care

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Engage in activities that make you happy and relax your body and mind. This can include exercise, meditation, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

  • Stay positive

It’s important to maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of rejection. Surround yourself with positive people, practice gratitude and affirmations, and focus on your accomplishments and strengths.

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Conclusion

Rejection is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a necessary part of life. By understanding the science behind rejection and learning how to handle it in a healthy way, we can grow and become stronger individuals. Remember, rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a person. 💪

A picture of a person standing in front of a mirror, giving themselves a pep talk

Thanks for tuning in! Take care and stay positive. ❤️

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