A friend and teacher of mine, Dr. Matthew May, once told me that the way to get over rejection is to take many "rejection inoculations." Much like an inoculation, if you take regular, small doses of rejection over time, it does not make you sick when you experience it.
In his book "The Solution To Social Anxiety: Break Free From The Shyness That Holds You Back," author Aziz Gazipura shares valuable advice from his friend and mentor, Dr. Matthew May. Dr. May suggests that experiencing small rejections regularly can help individuals build resilience against the emotional pain of rejection. By treating these smaller instances of rejection as 'inoculations', people can mentally prepare themselves for the inevitable setbacks they may encounter in social situations.
This concept emphasizes the idea that facing rejection head-on can reduce the overall impact it has on a person. By normalizing the experience of rejection and seeing it as a part of life, individuals are more likely to overcome their fears and insecurities. Ultimately, this approach can empower people to engage more freely in social interactions without the paralyzing fear of being turned down or rejected.
