Unanswered love is portrayed in countless poems, novels, and films. However, it is present not only on book pages and big screens but in real life, too. It’s safe to say that all of us have experienced it at least once in our lives. And this is always incredibly painful. Then, time seems to stop, and the whole world ceases to exist. The question of how to deal with rejection from a loved one is difficult. How do you return to normal life? Read on to find out all the answers you’re looking for.
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5 Stages of Rejection You Should Know and Accept
First and foremost, to better understand your feelings after receiving a romantic turndown, you have to know the five stages of rejection. This knowledge will help you deal with being rejected by someone you love and cope with the pain you feel. According to different sources, these phases include:
- DENIAL
The very first reaction to love rejection for most people is denial. They may question the truthfulness of the rejection in a relationship or downplay its significance. It may be hard for them to understand or believe this fact.
- ANGER
When the reality of what actually happened hits a person, anger usually sets in. This emotion can be directed to the partner who rejected the other’s feelings, to themselves, or the situation as a whole.
- BARGAINING
After the anger passes, many people enter a phase of bargaining. They may get caught up in thoughts like “Maybe if they knew more about me” or “I don’t need much. A short fling is well enough for me.”
- SADNESS OR ROMANTIC REJECTION DEPRESSION
After the anger, typically, deep sadness follows. It is a natural reaction to loss, and the potential partner’s loss is a powerful trigger to feel incredibly upset.
- ACCEPTANCE
The last step when a person has to deal with rejection is acceptance. This is where they make peace with the heartbreak and its consequences. Acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean instant recovery, but it does mean a willingness to move forward.
Understanding these stages can help with dealing with romantic rejection by developing greater emotional resilience. It also may make the overall healing process more effective and healthy.
Also, keep in mind that everyone experiences these stages differently, and there is no fixed timeline for going through them. Take your time to live them through.
How to Deal with Rejection from a Crush
Being rejected by a loved one is emotionally difficult, especially if it involves deep feelings. Don’t brush them aside, but give yourself time to work through them.
Being rejected by someone you love is hard. What’s next?
So, after being rejected, the very first three things you need to do are:
- Accept your emotions. Allow yourself to grieve for the breakup. It is only natural to feel a mixture of sadness, disappointment, and even confusion when you deal with rejection. Take time to process these emotions. Writing in a diary or talking to a close friend can help you work on your feelings.
- Be kind to yourself. When you experience rejection, don’t blame yourself and dwell on imaginary shortcomings. Remember that attractiveness and compatibility are highly subjective, and this particular rejection does not diminish your value. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would treat a friend in a similar situation.
- Set boundaries. While it’s tempting to want to work things out, it’s important to respect the other person’s decision. Give both yourself and your loved one the time they might need to think about the situation.
Source – Giphy
How to handle rejection with ease
Adopting a personal growth and resilience mindset is your best way to deal with being rejected. Here are practical steps to help you move through the love turndown experience:
- Change your perspective. See rejection as an opportunity for personal growth, not as a reflection of your worth. Accept the fact that it is an integral part of everyone’s life, not a final judgment on your character.
- Take care of yourself. Focus on self-care activities that bring you comfort and joy. Spend time with friends, enjoy your favorite hobby, or simply take quiet moments to reflect.
- Set new goals. When dealing with romantic rejection, direct your energy into aspects of your life that bring you a sense of accomplishment, such as your studies or business. This will raise your self-esteem and help you move forward.
- Seek out support. Share your feelings with friends or family members who are there for you. Professional support, such as therapy or coaching from platforms like BetterUp, can also be helpful in dealing with the pain of rejection.
- Learn and move on. Don’t let romantic rejection depression grow in you. Reflect on your overall experience and cherish lessons that add to your personal development. Use this time to understand yourself better and research your inner self and your values in a relationship.
How to Handle Rejection from a Guy
Unshared love brings a lot of pain and unpleasant months of going through the healing. We can’t say for sure that following these tips will speed up this process. However, by following them, you can try to go through it less painfully.
How to handle rejection from a guy gracefully:
- Keep dignity and respect
React to rejection in a relationship with grace and dignity. Fight the desire to continue the relationship when the person has made their decision clear. Respect boundaries and give both you and him the space you need to move on. - Embrace your independence
When dealing with rejection, take back your sense of independence and autonomy. Concentrate on your strengths and celebrate the unique qualities that make you who you are. - Stay positive
The best answer to “how to deal with rejection from a guy” is to keep a positive viewpoint on love and relationships. Accept rejection as part of the journey to finding the right guy. Try to understand yourself and believe that your special person is waiting for you in the future, and use this experience as a stepping stone along the way.
How to Handle Rejection from a Girl
What could be worse than being rejected by a girl you’re in love with? We feel your pain. However, in this difficult situation, you shouldn’t focus on the negative alone. Try using these tips to get over the rejection from a woman you love.
How to get over rejection from a woman you are into:
- Celebrate your courage
It took much courage to express your feelings. Rejection from a girl neither diminishes it nor makes you less worthy as a man. Taking risks is a vital part of finding the right partner. - Express gratitude and respect
Despite the heartbreak, treat the person who rejects you with gratitude for honesty and openness. Thus, you’ll demonstrate your emotional maturity and open the door for future connections based on mutual respect. - Realize that this is not a reflection of your whole self
Romantic rejection is only one aspect of life. It does not define your entire worth. Relationships are complex and supported by a variety of factors. Remember that you are more than any romantic match.
How to Stop Thinking About Someone Who Rejected You
When moving on, it is very important to understand your emotions from heartbreak. Do not downplay their importance, and do not pretend that you are not in pain. Rejection hurts so much because of the innate human need to be accepted and connected to someone. This need has its roots in prehistoric times. When your feelings of love are turned down, it brings on emotional pain and a sense of loss. It can even lead to rejection trauma. Rejection trauma often takes place when romantic disappointments repeat over a relatively short time or are particularly painful. It can worsen negative feelings and deepen emotional wounds.
To stop thinking about the person who rejected you, embrace the negative feelings of rejection, and give yourself permission to heal. Surround yourself with supportive friends and seek professional help to understand yourself better if necessary. Redirect your life focus to personal growth, improve your academic performance, and gradually replace thoughts of rejection in a relationship with positive affirmations of your value.
How to get over a rejection? Remember that healing from rejection is a gradual process, and it is okay to seek support; it’s not always possible to cope with a love turndown problem by yourself.
Final Thoughts on Dealing with Rejection
To sum up, we would like to add the following. You are good, you are beautiful, you are smart, you are funny, and you are enough. It’s just that life is hard, and love life is even harder. It’s not easy to find a partner to build a meaningful relationship. BUT! Don’t stop searching for the right person because of the pain of rejection. Sooner or later, things will work out. Believe in that with all your heart.