No one likes failing or being turned down, but those with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) truly can’t handle it — they can’t keep their emotional response to the setback in check, which often leads them to feel overwhelmed, depressed, and serious emotional pain. If you suffer from this condition, you’re likely to do these things in your daily life.
1. You overanalyze social interactions.
If you have Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), you might find yourself replaying conversations in your head. Wondering if you said something wrong or if someone’s brief glance meant they’re upset with you. This over-analysis stems from a fear of rejection, even in situations where there’s no real sign of it. It can be exhausting, always trying to read between the lines and second-guessing yourself. You’re not overthinking because you want to; it’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you from potential rejection.
2. You go out of your way to avoid new opportunities.
The fear of rejection can make turning down new opportunities seem like the safer option. It’s not that you’re lazy or unambitious. It’s the anxiety of possibly failing and facing rejection that holds you back. Whether it’s a job opportunity, a social event, or even sharing your ideas, the worry about not being good enough or being turned down is real. You’re playing it safe, but it’s not because you don’t want to grow; it’s because the fear of rejection is just that overwhelming.
3. You end relationships preemptively because you don’t want to be dumped.
People with RSD automatically assume the worst in situations at times, especially when it comes to love and relationships. The pain of a breakup would be too much to bear, so you often dump people before they can dump you. Our sister site, Sweetn, can help. They use science to help rewire your brain and improve your relationship with yourself — and ultimately, your relationship with romantic partners. If your love life is in desperate need of a facelift, check them out here.
4. You’re way too quick to say you’re sorry.
People with RSD often find themselves apologizing, even when they haven’t done anything wrong. It’s like a reflex action to avoid potential conflict or displeasure from others. You’re not a pushover; you’re trying to keep the peace and protect yourself from perceived rejection. These constant apologies are your shield, even for things that don’t warrant an apology. It’s not about lacking backbone; it’s about an intense need to maintain harmony and avoid any chance of disapproval.
5. You have a seriously hard time accepting compliments.
When someone with RSD gets a compliment, the first instinct might be to brush it off or downplay it. It’s not false modesty; it’s genuinely hard to believe the compliment is sincere. There’s this constant doubt that maybe they’re just being nice, or worse, sarcastic. Accepting compliments becomes a challenge because you’re wired to expect rejection, not praise. It’s a tough spot – you want to believe the good stuff, but your brain keeps telling you it might just be a setup for rejection.
6. You’re overly critical of yourself.
Being your own worst critic is a common thing for those with RSD. You tend to focus on your perceived flaws and mistakes more than your strengths. It’s not that you enjoy putting yourself down. It’s more about bracing yourself for the rejection you feel is inevitable. This self-criticism is like a preemptive strike – you do it before anyone else can. It’s a defensive mechanism, not a reflection of your actual capabilities or worth.
7. You over-prepare for even the simplest of tasks.
People with RSD often go the extra mile, even for basic stuff. It’s not about being a perfectionist for the sake of it. It’s more about the fear that any small mistake could lead to rejection or criticism. So, you spend hours prepping for what could be a straightforward task. This over-preparation isn’t just about doing well; it’s about shielding yourself from potential negative feedback.
8. You withdraw if you feel slighted. .
It’s a protective measure. If someone cancels plans or doesn’t reply to a text quickly, you might take it more personally than intended. This withdrawal isn’t about being dramatic; it’s a way to cope with what feels like a personal rejection. It’s your way of avoiding further hurt by stepping back from situations where you feel vulnerable.
9. You find it really hard to set boundaries.
Setting healthy boundaries can be tough if you have RSD. The thought of someone being upset with your limits is daunting. It’s easier to just go along with what others want, even at your own expense. Saying ‘no’ feels like an open invitation for rejection. So, you often end up overcommitting or enduring discomfort to avoid potential conflict. It’s not about not knowing your limits; it’s about the fear of how others will react to them.
10. You’re quick to agree even when you really don’t.
To avoid conflict or disapproval, you might find yourself agreeing with opinions you don’t share. It’s not that you don’t have your own opinions; it’s just that expressing them feels risky. The possibility of disagreement or rejection for your true thoughts can be intimidating. So, nodding along seems like the safer option. This behavior is about self-protection, not conformity.
11. You’re hesitant to share personal achievements.
Sharing your successes feels like a gamble if you have RSD. There’s a worry that others might see you as bragging or that they won’t care. It feels safer to keep good news to yourself than risk any negative reactions. Even when you’ve done something great, the fear of potential rejection can overshadow the joy of sharing.
12. You avoid confrontation at all costs.
Confrontation is a big no-no for someone with RSD. The anxiety about how the other person will react is overwhelming. It’s not about being conflict-averse for the sake of peace. It’s more about the intense worry of being disliked or rejected post-confrontation. So, you tend to let things slide, even when they bother you, to avoid potential backlash.
13. You never initiate plans or conversations.
Initiating social interactions can feel like setting yourself up for rejection. It’s easier to wait for others to make the first move. That way, if they don’t reach out, it’s not a direct rejection of you. It’s not that you don’t want to socialize or engage; it’s the fear of being turned down that holds you back.
14. You experience stress or anxiety when things are left up in the air.
Not knowing how someone feels about you can be particularly tough if you have RSD. The uncertainty is a breeding ground for anxiety. You might overinterpret neutral behaviors as negative. This struggle isn’t about wanting to control everything; it’s about the fear of unexpected rejection hiding around every corner.
15. You need a lot of reassurance in relationships.
Regular reassurance in relationships is key for someone with RSD. It’s not about being needy. It’s more about needing to hear that things are okay and that you’re valued. This need for reassurance stems from a fear of sudden rejection or discovering that the relationship isn’t as solid as you thought. It’s about finding security in a world where rejection feels ever-present.
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