by Joan Inong

Created on: June 22, 2009

The fear of rejection can be debilitating. Relationships and the personal viewpoint or opinion that we have of ourselves also suffer. Dating is especially a difficult task if you have a fear of rejection. However, by gaining confidence and knowing that there are "plenty of fish in the sea," you can rid yourself of your fear of rejection so that you can be successful in the dating game.

First, if you want to get over your fear of rejection, you have to gain some confidence. Gaining confidence will be difficult or hard, depending on whether or not you already have some confidence. For example, if you are a naturally shy or inclusive person, then you will probably have a more difficult time trying to gain confidence compared to someone who is a socialite.

You can gain confidence through various outlets. You can do so by trying to make new friends, or changing your physical appearance, or getting a new job, or getting a new car, or by being more friendly and open to strangers. Whatever your outlet, you have to make sure that you are gaining confidence through positive means.

You may not gain your confidence for a while, but after you have done so, you can begin to work on your fear of rejection. Gaining confidence means that you have learned to value yourself higher (but not so high as to inflate your ego). By doing so, you can think of yourself as more than just a person who is defined by his or her relationships. You don't have to feel like you have to stick to one person, because you can definitely date others even if that person leaves or does not want to date you.

Confidence will also allow you to be more upfront with potential dates. You can ask them face-to-face if they would like to go out with you, and they will enjoy your confidence. It has been shown that women know when a man is confident, and will usually give him a chance if he believes in himself. That is, if you do not think about rejection as you approach a potential date, then you will probably have a better chance than if you did think that you were going to get rejected.

Always remember that there are thousands of potential dates. Just because one person has rejected you, you don't have to feel as if your whole world has come tumbling down. Consider that that person was probably not the right one for you anyway. Don't waste your time and start working on trying to get another date. Rejection can be difficult, but if you let it rule your life, you will feel like you aren't truly living a life.

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