Rejection Therapy

Rejection-therapy

Rejection Therapy is a social self-improvement game created by Jason Comely where the objective is to be rejected by another person at least once, every day. Intentionally seeking out rejection aims to desensitize the participant to the fear of rejection, thereby making them more confident and resilient in social situations. The concept is based on the understanding that the fear of rejection often holds people back from taking opportunities and pursuing their goals.

Overview

Rejection Therapy started as a series of self-help cards, each suggesting various ways one could get rejected. These tasks range from asking a stranger for a loan of $100 to requesting a discount at a store for no reason. The idea is to push individuals out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to take risks that they would typically avoid due to the fear of being rejected.

Rules

The primary rule of Rejection Therapy is simple: a player must be rejected by another person at least once every day. However, there are a few guidelines to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the game:

• Rejection must be in the real world, not online.
• The rejection must come from a situation where the outcome is uncertain. The player must genuinely want the request to be granted.
• The player cannot explain the context of the game to the person from whom they are seeking rejection.

Benefits

Participants of Rejection Therapy report a variety of benefits, including:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced fear of failure and rejection
• Improved social skills and ability to handle conflicts
• Greater willingness to take risks and seize opportunities

Criticism

Critics of Rejection Therapy argue that it may encourage intrusive or disrespectful behavior, as players seek out rejection without considering the comfort or boundaries of others. Additionally, some mental health professionals caution that for individuals with certain anxiety disorders, the game could potentially exacerbate their symptoms.

Cultural Impact

Rejection Therapy has gained a following online, with participants sharing their experiences on social media and blogs. It has inspired a variety of similar challenges and has been featured in various media outlets, highlighting its growing popularity as a tool for personal development.

See Also

• Self-help
• Social anxiety
• Personal development