Paula Caligiuri, PhD (speaker) gives brief, practical advice for overcoming a mild fear of rejection by deliberately seeking low-stakes rejection experiences to desensitize negative feelings. She recommends starting with small requests (e.g., extra espresso shot, asking for a discount) and gradually increasing risk (asking someone out, requesting a raise) to build confidence and accept rejection as part of life.
Do you have a fear of rejection? This is when you avoid situations like dating or interviewing because you just don't want to be judged negatively. This might sound strange, but one way to overcome a mild fear of rejection is to actively seek it out. By putting yourself in situations in which you'll probably be rejected, you can start desensitizing yourself to the negative feelings associated with rejection. Start small, like asking for an extra shot of espresso in your latte or a discount on a gym membership. Gradually increase the level of risk and exposure to rejection, such as asking someone out on a date or asking for a raise. If the requests aren't too crazy, they'll help you grow. Rejection is just part of life. This practice will help you build confidence, and you might even get a few unexpected yeses. Follow me to learn more.
