Search Results: fear of rejection

I finally told my crush I liked him. We work together and been knowing each other for months. We spend a lot Of time after work talking about everything. We check on each other theoughout the day. Deep open conversations about fears and lost loved ones. He's very reserve and nice. He told me he just wanted to be friends. Ouch! It hurts like hell. I'm respecting his wishes and giving him space. I hate that I've made things awkward by revealing my truth but sometimes you have to take risk. And he was worth it. But I'm afraid I've ruined our friendship. The day after the rejection I returned to work and I only said hi the entire day and keep my distance. One because I'm still processing my emotions. Rejections hurt. Two, I'm embarrassed. Three, I don't know what to say. He obviously cared as he reached out the same afternoon of the rejection to check on me. And he wanted me to know he know how hard it was to be vulnerable and he appreciated my honesty. He stated "he likes talking to me and wanna still be friends". I'm the most happiest person in the world but today I was distant and even moved into a room away from him. I don't want him to feel guilty bc he was honest there's nothing to be guilty about. But this is hard today I realized I like this guy way more than I thought. Today I went with a close friend that works with us out to lunch. And he happen to also go to lunch with his "work bff" that he's close as they never truly have lunch together outside of work. I hate I've made things weird. What are your thoughts? How long will it take for things to get back to normal?

A widespread pattern of inhibition around people, feeling inadequate & being very sensitive to negative evaluation. Symptoms begin by early adulthood and occur in a range of situations. At least 4 of 7 the following symptoms should be present:

1) Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
2) Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked
3) Shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed
4) Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations
5) Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy
6) Views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others
7) Is unusually reluctant to take personal risk or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing

((((((((If you do meet some or all of these criteria, please see a psychiatrist or therapist so you no longer have to live like that.))))))