Getting Over the Fear of Rejection

by Jeremy Reis, Staff Writer

A gorgeous woman is sitting at the table next to you. You want to ask her out, to talk to her, to do something before she walks away, but you are frozen with fear. "She'll say no and she may even laugh at me…" As these doubts nag at you, you realizing she's getting up and walking away. You've missed your chance. The fear of rejection strikes again.

Oftentimes, our deepest regret is our silence. "Why didn't I say something?" The "What if's" torture you. You wonder for years how your life might be different, if only… And you despise yourself for not being braver, for giving in to your fears and doubts.

It Only Lasts a Moment

How do we overcome this fear? Try this trick. Remember the scent of cinnamon. Can't recall it? That is because scent is like pain--impossible to physically remember after it is gone. Pain only lasts for a moment and then it is gone. Keeping this in mind will help you overcome your fear. Knowing that the pain will only last a brief second is one way to help you overcome your fear. One day, you will be able to look back at the time when you asked that cheerleader out and laugh about it. Rejection isn't as bad as we make it!

It Becomes Easier Over Time

Asking people out becomes easier over time. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes and the less fear you'll have. Like everything else in life it just takes practice. Do you remember your very first day of school? Or even your first day of college? Do you remember how scared you were? Over time, it became easier, as time went on, it became second nature. Asking people out, starting conversations, and introducing yourself becomes easy with enough repetition.

It is Exhilarating

Asking someone out when you are nervous or afraid pushes your limits. It requires you to step beyond your comfort zone. No matter the results, you can feel good about yourself for not backing down. Facing the fear of rejection squarely without giving in means never having to say "What if…"

Okay, so you're convinced. The next time you find yourself sitting next to a supermodel, you may speak up. Only now you're wondering what you should say. Wouldn't you know it? We have an article just for you: How to Ask Out a Woman.