Fear of being rejected is common amongst those with social anxiety. The following is adapted from the TED talk by Fallon Goodman:
When we feel socially anxious, we become hyper-focused on how we are appearing to others. We scan the room looking for signs of threat and disapproval, signs we might have slipped up and are at risk for rejection. We try to seek comfort in signs of approval, smiles, head nods, laughs and so on. Having social anxiety can be exhausting, watching for the nuances, norms and dynamics of a social group so we can match our behaviour to fit and ultimately avoid being rejected.
Social anxiety becomes problematic when it begins to interfere with the life you want to live. And this happens when your fear of rejection becomes intertwined with your view of yourself. When you believe you will be rejected because you think you have some inherent flaw, deficiency or failing of character.
See Fallon Goodman’s presentation at a TED conference below:
Please also see these pages:
www.verywellmind.com/what-is-rejection-sensitivity-4682652
Please also see these pages on relaated themes:
www.aboutsocialanxiety.com/what-is-the-fear-of-being-yourself
www.aboutsocialanxiety.com/how-to-stop-being-insecure-around-people
www.aboutsocialanxiety.com/how-to-stop-needing-everyone-to-like-you/
