How to Handle Your Crush Rejecting You

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Approaching someone you have a crush on takes a lot of courage, and it can be painful if that person rejects you. Many people consider a crush's rejection on par with heartbreak, as though the relationship were already happening. [1] What's important is how you handle that rejection, and move on from that situation. Learning how to get over a crush who has rejected you can help you pick up the pieces of your love life and move on to new and better situations.

What to Do If Your Crush Rejected You

Distract yourself and express your feelings through hobbies, journaling, or spending time with friends. Remind yourself that this rejection has nothing to do with you —your crush is just one person, and they just weren’t the right person for you.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Staying Positive

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's normal to feel upset and a little heartbroken when your crush rejects you, but anger will not help anything. Getting angry can be particularly damaging if your crush is a close friend, as getting mad may ruin the friendship. [2]
    • Wish your crush good luck and try to smile. If you were/are close friends, let your crush know you'd like to remain friends, and that you hope this won't change things between you. It's the best way to save face and maintain the friendship after getting rejected. [3]
  2. [4] One of the best ways to get over heartbreak and rejection is to surround yourself with friends. Whether you go to a movie, get food, go out for a drink (if you're old enough), or just hang out at home, it's important to be with friends during difficult situations. [5]
    • Let your friends know you're going through a rough patch, and ask them if they're free to spend some time together. Some friends will make the effort to reach out to you, but other friends may need to be invited. If your friends don't immediately reach out to you, try approaching them and let them know that you could really use some company. [6]
    Advertisement
  3. If you're feeling the sting of a crush's rejection, it can be helpful to seek out activities that make you happy. Whether you enjoy listening to music, reading a book, watching a movie, or simply going for a walk or bike ride, doing things you enjoy can help you feel good and stay positive in spite of how you're feeling. [7]
  4. Some people may assume that journaling won't help, but studies have shown that journaling can help people put their thoughts into perspective and remain positive after experiencing heartbreak. [8]
    • Invest in a new, high-quality journal. This will ensure that the journal will stand up to any abuse from daily use, and will make you more likely to want to use your journal every day. [9]
    • Set aside time everyday to write in your journal. Try setting a timer to force yourself to write for longer periods of time. [10]
    • Allow yourself to experiment. Your journal isn't intended to be read by anyone else, so let yourself be open and honest. Give yourself permission to think things through on the page, as you're figuring it out. In other words, it doesn't have to be a perfectly thought-out and well-articulated document. It can just be a jumble of thoughts, feelings, or observations. [11]
  5. Know when to ask for help . [12] Maybe you were rejected in front of a group of people and you're feeling embarrassed, or perhaps you just had really high hopes that things would work out with someone. Whatever you're going through, don't be afraid to talk about how you're feeling if you're really devastated over a rejection. If you don't think your friends or family would understand, try talking to a counselor or therapist. [13]
    • Many schools and universities offer free counselors, or you can search online to find a therapist in your area.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Moving Past Rejection

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's natural to feel a little hurt after getting rejected, but it's important that you don't let yourself become afraid of rejection in the future. That kind of fear and avoidance are part of catastrophizing, which involves assuming that one experience is part of a larger, more serious pattern. [14]
    • Remember that even though rejection may be inconvenient and even painful, it is not a horrible, life-or-death situation. [15]
    • Keep in mind that rejection is never permanent. New opportunities will always present themselves eventually. [16]
    EXPERT TIP

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    Rejection is a normal part of dating. Changing your relationship with dating by having more in-person interactions can help you handle the emotions that come with rejection.

  2. Many people respond to rejection by internalizing it. It's easy to feel that someone's rejection is a reflection of your own worth, but it's simply not true. You've no doubt had crushes on some people and not had feelings about others, and it has nothing to do with how attractive or interesting or likable that person is. Much of it boils down to compatibility. Other times, a person may just not be ready for a relationship. Whatever the reason, it does not reflect on you. [17]
    • Never let someone else's approval or rejection define your own worth. Remember that you are wonderful just the way you are. [18]
  3. Yes, it's unfortunate that your crush didn't feel the same way about you, and it's probably a little painful. However, it's just one person, and that person wasn't right for you. Try to think of rejection as an opportunity to find a better situation with someone who will feel the same way about you. [19]
    • If your crush didn't think you'd be compatible together, that just means that there's someone else out there with whom you'll be even more compatible.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finding Someone New

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your crush rejected you, it's possible you were more attracted to their appearance than their personality. Whatever the circumstances of your rejection were, now would be a good time to be honest with yourself and determine what you want from an ideal partner. [20]
    • Think about traits you would want from an ideal partner. Perhaps you want someone who is warm and caring, or maybe trustworthiness is more important to you. Shared interests or worldview is also a common trait people seek in a partner. Whatever it is that you think you want from a partner, figure it out before you start having feelings for anyone else. [21]
  2. While ideal partner preferences shape the type of person you actively seek out, you also have an unspoken emotional reaction to most people you meet. Sometimes we're blinded by our emotional reaction to someone because of their looks or charming personality, but it's important to learn to recognize the emotional reaction you feel in someone's presence. [22]
    • Emotional reactions are typically unconscious, and you can't change that reaction. But as you analyze your emotions over time (perhaps through journaling), you can learn to recognize the emotional reaction that you have to a person. [23]
  3. Even if someone has traits that you find ideal and you have a positive emotional reaction to that person, you may simply not be a good match when it comes to longterm compatibility. Learning how to evaluate a crush for real, meaningful compatibility can be the difference between frustrating relationship problems and a meaningful, fulfilling partnership. [24]
    • Think about the personality traits you find most desirable. Do you have a "type"? Does that type typically work well with you? Or are you only seeing the surface of people you have a crush on? [25]
    • Trust your gut . If you find someone attractive but don't have much in common with them, it probably won't work out, and you probably already know this. Learn to trust your gut as you evaluate potential partners, as this will help you avoid getting hurt and rejected in the future. [26]
    4. Advertisement

Get Over Your Crush with this Expert Series

Crushing over someone you can't have is both draining and distracting. Learn how to move past these feelings and take back control of your life with this expert series.
1
Stop Being in Love With a Person You'll Never Meet
2
Effective Ways to Get Over Someone You Love
3
How to Get Over Someone You Can't Have or Never Dated
4
Stop Loving the Girl of Your Dreams
5
Stop Liking Someone
6
Overcome an Infatuation

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Remember that you are not alone. Many people get rejected by their crush every day.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 11
      • It's not the end of the world. Rejection never lasts forever.
        Thanks
        Helpful 23 Not Helpful 14
      • Don't take it personally. Perhaps the other person wasn't ready for a relationship, or maybe you just weren't a good match. Whatever the reason, it has nothing to do with you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 23 Not Helpful 14
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Try not to take the rejection as a reflection of your self-worth. More often, it's just an issue of compatibility — you and your crush weren't the right fit. Remember, your value as a person remains no matter what.
      • Be patient and kind with yourself while you heal from this. In time, you'll gain some perspective and start to recognize new possibilities. This person simply wasn't the right one for you, but don't lose hope.
      • Surround yourself with good friends after getting rejected. Lean on your social circle during this difficult time - plan activities together to take your mind off the sting. Their support will help a lot.
      • Let go of any anger or bitterness toward your crush for not reciprocating your feelings. They aren't obligated to feel the same way. Staying friends shows maturity, if you're able to do so.
      • Reflect on the deeper traits you want in a partner beyond appearances. Building an emotional connection and having realistic compatibility are important for a fulfilling relationship.
      • Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help you process a rejection in a healthy way. Putting emotions into words can bring some clarity.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don't make your crush feel guilty. That will not change the person's mind, and it will only make things more awkward or painful between the two of you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 193 Not Helpful 38
      • Don't get mad at someone for the way they feel. They can't help that they don't have feelings for you any more than you can help having feelings for them.
        Thanks
        Helpful 162 Not Helpful 42
      • Talk to a therapist or counselor if you're experiencing significant pain or grief. Let your friends and family know how you're feeling so they can try to be there to comfort you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 96 Not Helpful 60
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Deal With Your Crush Not Liking You
      How to
      Accept Rejection When You Tell a Friend You Love Them
      How to
      Accept that Your Crush Doesn't Like You
      How to
      Stop Having An Inappropriate Crush
      How to
      Win a Girl Back
      How to
      Respond to a Break Up Text
      How to
      End a Relationship Respectfully: What to Do & What Not to Do
      How to
      Move On From a Girl You Like
      How to
      Play a Player
      How to
      Talk Your Boyfriend out of Breaking up With You
      How to
      Accept That a Girl Doesn’t Love You (Trust Us, It Get’s Easier)
      What if She Says No? How to Handle Rejection from a Girl
      How to
      Get Over the Guy That Has a Girlfriend
      How to
      Make a Girl Jealous
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/grow/crushes/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201504/16-breaking-tips-and-how-journaling-eases-heartbreak
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201504/16-breaking-tips-and-how-journaling-eases-heartbreak
      4. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 13 December 2018.
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201504/16-breaking-tips-and-how-journaling-eases-heartbreak
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201504/16-breaking-tips-and-how-journaling-eases-heartbreak
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ulterior-motives/201203/what-do-you-enjoy-doing
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201504/16-breaking-tips-and-how-journaling-eases-heartbreak
      9. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing
      1. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing
      2. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing
      3. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 13 December 2018.
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201504/16-breaking-tips-and-how-journaling-eases-heartbreak
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/thriving101/201012/rejection-losers-guide
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fearless-you/201303/4-healing-ideas-help-you-move-past-rejection
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fearless-you/201303/4-healing-ideas-help-you-move-past-rejection
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fearless-you/201303/4-healing-ideas-help-you-move-past-rejection
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fearless-you/201303/4-healing-ideas-help-you-move-past-rejection
      10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fearless-you/201303/4-healing-ideas-help-you-move-past-rejection
      11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner
      12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner
      13. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner
      14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner
      15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner
      16. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner
      17. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201312/who-is-attractive-and-compatible-romantic-partner

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Being rejected by your crush can be upsetting, but by focusing on the things you enjoy, spending time with friends, and paying attention to your emotions, you can handle it! When you hang out with your friends, tell them what you're feeling so they can help distract you. If you feel sad or lonely when you’re alone, distract yourself with something you enjoy, like listening to music, reading a book, or going for a walk, which will help you stop thinking about your crush. You can also write down what you’re thinking and feeling in a journal to help you let your emotions out. For more tips from our co-author, including how to find someone new after being rejected by your crush, read on.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 404,460 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Pranav B.

        Mar 30, 2018

        "My crush just sent me this really hard-to-handle message. I was heartbroken to read that. She was the most ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement