This is the sixth of a 14-part series that deals with the negative effects of low self-esteem.
In this article we will try to discuss one of the traits which are closely associated with low self-esteem.
Fear of Rejection
Fear of rejection is an unreasonable, baseless feeling of not being accepted for who you are. It is strongly connected to lack of self confidence and low self-esteem. People who think that they are not good enough often fall for this way of thinking.
Like the other side effects of low self-esteem, fear of rejection can stem from unpleasant experiences that people went through in their lives. They may even have developed this fear in their childhood if their parents have high expectations of them and they are constantly compared with other children who were endowed with much better talents.
People who have fear of rejection usually develop fear of approaching people. They are also hesitant to get into relationships because of fear and a feeling that at some point, they will be discarded or abandoned. This makes them withdrawn and aloof.
Other indications of fear of rejection include:
1. The feeling that you have to be perfect in order to be accepted by other people;
2. Imitating the ways of people you admire and losing your own identity in the process;
3. Inability to say "no";
4. Loss of self-image. You think that your image is determined by what other people say about you.
How can you overcome fear of rejection?
1. Take care of yourself and strive to develop self confidence.
This will help to build your self-esteem and improve the way you look at yourself and the way you conduct your relationship with other people. If you have a poor sense of self worth, you will be insecure about who you are. It can lead you to think that you will be rejected because you are never good enough.
2. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Each person is unique and everyone is gifted with special qualities that make him distinct from the rest. You should identify and use them to fortify your self-worth. But you also need to identify and accept your weaknesses; nobody is perfect and you should accept your limitations;
3. Do not anchor your self-esteem on what other people think of you. You should have a healthy image of yourself. You know who you are and you should accept yourself and appreciate your best qualities. Love yourself. You should know that there are other people who love you.
