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Should you scream and cry like an infant; throw a fit and stomp your feet like a toddler; slam doors and crank music like a teenager; sulk and hibernate like that same teenager? Maybe you should give up, throw in the towel and call-it-a day.

...What's the matter, you didn't get what you wanted (what you believe you deserved)?

That's all rejection means, is that you didn't get what you wanted (simple). You can also call it life. Some people come to terms with theirs a little better than others but it (life) happens to us all. Those who don't handle theirs so well feel the need to show the rest of us their disgruntlement. They make a grand stand of sorts (that's how they handle it). They seem to be under the impression that feet stomping and fit throwing, thrusts their disappointments forefront, when if fact it pushes them further into the background because (being the center of attention) the focus becomes focused on their reaction to the rejection, not the rejection itself.

While some spend their time throwing destructive (toddler) fits, others spend theirs on restoration. You tell ME which one is the best way to handle rejection. You are the one who ultimately decides what your next course of action will be. I myself would consider the results of both and base my decision on them. So (in my view) slamming the door might cause a picture to fall off the wall but doing so is probably not going to attract any job offers. (I think I'll try reformatting my resume).

This reasoning applies to relationships too, as sulking and hibernating (we all know) go hand in hand with relationships. Those who don't handle rejection so well might hold up in their bedroom for a while or may withdraw from social life. Again, their reaction takes precedence. By reacting positively however, they might have had a better chance at restoration. (A writer's rejection is no different, as many a writer have been known to hibernate and sulk. They are just as susceptible to rejection as relationships are, affecting them in similar manners.)

When you find yourself rejected (whether it be for a writing job, a relationship or for a library card), don't beat yourself up over it. Don't hurt yourself anymore than the rejection itself already has, by wallowing. Instead, why not rewrite what you've written; date out of the box or bring back that over-due library book, so you'll be approved for a card. Try something new, try something different, try ...something.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Elizabeth.
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