"I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection." - Billy Joel
A young salesman became discouraged because he had been rejected by so many customers he
approached. He asked a more experienced salesman for some advice.“Why
is it that every time I make a call on someone I get rejected?” “I just
don’t understand that,” answered the older salesman. “I’ve been hit on
the head, called dirty names, and thrown out the door, but I’ve never
been rejected.” Rejection isn’t only about what happens to us but also how we interpret or respond to what happens to us. There are ways to treat the psychological wounds rejection inflict on us. It's possible to treat the emotional pain rejection elicits and to prevent the psychological, emotional, and relationship fallout that occur in its aftermath. To do so effectively we must address each of our psychological wounds (i.e., soothe our emotional pain, reduce our anger and aggression, protect our self-esteem, and stabilize our need to belong). We can decide on how we intend to feel after a seeming act of rejection is carried out against us.
