So, you’ve finally decided to put yourself out there and tell that certain someone about your feelings for them. This isn’t something you typically do, but you’re willing to deal with the fear and discomfort just to hear them say it back. But they don’t. It’s bad timing, or they just want to stay friends, or they have feelings for someone else. Sometimes, it’s two of those things. Sometimes, you just get ghosted. Being rejected sucks, and that’s just a fact. It doesn’t feel good to be told that your feelings aren’t reciprocated, and the embarrassment alone just makes you want to disappear. But trust me, it’s not the end of the world, and in the future, there will be someone that feels that way about you, too. But, in the meantime, here are some tips on how to recover from rejection:
- Take off the rose-colored glasses
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Having feelings for someone means that you gloss over their flaws and make excuses for them (you know it’s true). When you’re trying to get over someone, it’s better not to look at them through a romanticized lens. Recognize that they’re just as human as you are, and maybe they weren’t really all that. Those flaws that you made excuses for might just be the reason it wouldn’t work out in the end.
- If they wanted to, they would
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It’s just that simple. If someone wants to be with you, they won’t make excuses. They’ll make an effort. If all they’re doing is coming up with reasons why it won’t work out, then they probably don’t want it to. Even though this is hard to realize, the sooner you do, the sooner you can save yourself from more heartbreak.
- Know that everything happens for a reason
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As cheesy as it sounds, everything does happen for a reason. If you and that person can’t be together, it’s probably for the best. It would be worse to be stuck in a relationship that’s really one-sided than to not be in a relationship at all. And, who knows, if it’s really meant to be, you will reconnect later in life, and you can give it another shot.
- Remember your worth
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The most important thing is to remember that being rejected by someone does not define you. You should be proud that you put yourself out there, even if it didn’t work out the way you planned. You are beautiful and worthy of someone who wants you just as much as you want them (it helps if they want you just a little bit more). There is a lesson to be learned from every relationship, even those that are short-lived, and from each lesson, you will grow to become a stronger person.
If you’ve been rejected recently, I know how you feel. It’ll hurt for a little bit, but you’ll get back on your feet. Give yourself time, and make sure you’re kind to yourself. And don’t forget, Hot Girl Summer is coming up, so take the time to do some self-care, channel your baddest self, and show them what they’re missing.