You don’t need to date someone to develop strong feelings for them. Knowing that you’re never going to be with this person is going to sting. You’re allowed to cry your eyes out. You’re allowed to mope about them to your friends. You’re allowed to feel your feelings. Don’t let anyone convince you that you’re overreacting or that your sadness is invalid. It hurts to get rejected, no matter how close you were with this person.
Right now, you might not care what the rest of the world thinks. You only care about what this person thinks – and they aren’t interested. While you’re allowed to mourn your loss, you shouldn’t fool yourself into believing that you’re unlovable. Just because one person isn’t interested in a relationship doesn’t mean the next person will feel the same way. You are a catch. There are going to be so many more chances for you to find love. Don’t give up on yourself because their opinion of you isn’t the only opinion of you.
You might be tempted to continue chasing this person. You might feel like you can change their mind if you’re nice enough, funny enough, sexy enough. But you don’t want to waste time on someone who has already made it clear they aren’t interested in you. You should appreciate their honesty because it means you have the chance to move onto someone who sees your worth from the start. It’s so much better to find someone who naturally values you than to bend over backward to impress someone who needs convincing.
There’s no guarantee that your friends in relationships are any happier than you are right now. You can feel fulfilled without a relationship and empty with a relationship. It all depends on the situation. Remember, you don’t want to force the wrong love. It’s so much better to enjoy your time to yourself without assuming the grass is greener on the other side. If you eventually find someone who makes you happy, that’s great. If not, that’s just as great.
Think of the most talented, hysterical, beautiful, intelligent person you’ve ever met. Now, remind yourself that they have gotten rejected, too. It happens to everyone. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. It simply means you were chasing after the wrong person.
Maybe you asked them out and got rejected. Maybe you feel silly for imagining a future where the two of you are together. But the truth is, you aren’t a fool for putting yourself out there. You’re brave for speaking from your heart. You should be proud of yourself for taking a risk. Maybe it didn’t pay off today, but it could next time. Don’t let one experience stop you from loving with your whole heart. You’re doing the right thing by being honest with yourself and those around you. Your vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
