It is understandable to experience feelings of concern and sensitivity when interacting with others, particularly when one is prone to worrying about being rejected. Such emotions are not uncommon.
In posing this question, it is evident that you are seeking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and to enhance the current circumstances. I commend your proactive engagement in self-exploration, and it is my hope that the insights I offer will prove both inspiring and helpful.
Firstly, it is imperative to accept oneself in order to facilitate the process of self-discovery. Once this has been achieved, one can embark on a journey of self-transcendence, which will enable the realization of a more evolved version of oneself.
1. Self-knowledge is key.
From a psychological perspective, there may be several reasons behind the tendency to be sensitive and anxious about relationships.
1) Negative experiences in the past: Having had unpleasant experiences in social situations in the past, such as being bullied, mocked, or ignored, may cause fear of future social interactions. If such experiences have been encountered, it is important to acknowledge that the situation was not the result of any fault on the part of the individual. At the time, the individual may have been in a state of weakness and helplessness, unable to correctly perceive the harm of the situation and unable to effectively help themselves. However, with the passage of time and the accumulation of experience, the individual has gained a sense of strength and agency, and has the capacity to perceive and respond to situations in a more effective manner. When faced with injustice and harm, the individual has the ability to fight back or to choose to avoid such situations. Therefore, it is important to provide oneself with a sense of support and encouragement by embracing the positive aspects of one's past experiences and beliefs.
A second factor is low self-worth, which is characterized by a lack of confidence in one's own value and abilities. This may manifest as a belief that one is inadequate or unworthy of others' affection, which can contribute to social anxiety. This may be influenced by the family environment. Growing up in an overly protective or critical family environment may affect one's attitude and confidence in socializing.
If this does have an impact, then one can attempt to rationally view their parents' criticism. Their criticism may be due to their personality and upbringing in such an environment, with the same erroneous educational methods being passed down from generation to generation. This has no bearing on one's inherent worth. Rather, it is a reflection of the shortcomings of the aforementioned methods, which should be subject to introspection and improvement. It is possible to maintain one's confidence despite such negative criticisms and to hold the belief that one is worthy of love and deserving of becoming a more independent individual.
3) Deficiency in social skills: A lack of social skills and experience may result in feelings of discomfort and nervousness in social situations. I can personally attest to this phenomenon. I am also an introvert, and for familial reasons, I initially exhibited social anxiety, blushing when interacting with others. However, my career subsequently facilitated a transformation. I worked in sales, engaging with diverse individuals on a daily basis, which enabled me to gain insights into myself and others, and to enhance my social skills. Over time, I became more adept at socializing. It is essential to recognize that the willingness to seek social opportunities, to follow one's heart, and to embrace one's authentic self is a crucial aspect of this process.
4) Personality Traits: Some personality traits, such as introversion, shyness, or nervousness, may contribute to the development of social anxiety. While the underlying personality cannot be reversed, the dimensions of personality can be expanded. As long as there is a desire to do so, individuals can find ways to adjust and change themselves.
The aforementioned possibilities represent merely a sampling of potential avenues for consideration. It may be beneficial to engage in self-awareness in order to ascertain which factors are most salient. Once the source of distress has been identified, it may be helpful to recognize and adjust the underlying cause, with the hope that this will result in a gradual reduction in the intensity of the problem. It is my conviction that you possess the requisite energy and motivation to undertake this process.
2. The following tips may prove helpful:
1. Cultivate self-confidence: Affirm your own value and charm, and recognize that everyone possesses distinctive qualities. Enhance self-confidence through self-affirmation and positive thinking.
2. Alter your cognitive framework to interpret the behavior of others in a more favorable light. At times, the apparent indifference of others may not be a personal affront, but rather a manifestation of deeper issues.
3. Be open-minded: It is important to accept that it is normal for friends to have other close friendships. It should be noted that everyone has different levels of friendship, and this does not necessarily indicate a lack of social connections.
4. Initiate Communication: It is imperative to overcome the fear of rejection and to be courageous in communicating with others. One can commence with modest interactions and subsequently progress to more profound exchanges.
5. Develop a Hobby: Engaging in activities that align with one's interests facilitates the formation of connections with individuals who share similar pursuits, thereby fostering the growth of friendships based on shared interests.
6. Enhance Communication Skills: Cultivate proficiency in effective communication, encompassing active listening, effective self-expression, and empathetic comprehension of others' perspectives. Effective communication can mitigate misunderstandings and alleviate anxiety.
7. It is recommended that individuals experiencing severe anxiety and feelings of isolation consider seeking professional counseling or sharing their feelings with a trusted individual.
8. Practice relaxation techniques: Learning to relax oneself, such as through deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in a preferred sport, can help relieve anxiety.
Communication with others is of great importance, yet it is crucial to avoid allowing concerns and apprehensions to impede this process. It is recommended to gradually relinquish one's burdens and actively engage in social interaction. This approach can facilitate the discovery of the gratification derived from establishing connections with others. Additionally, it is possible to discuss one's particular experiences and sentiments pertaining to communication with a qualified professional, such as myself, who can assist in identifying strategies for more effectively addressing these challenges.


Comments
I totally understand how you feel. It's really tough when the fear of rejection holds you back. Maybe we can start small, like sharing more about ourselves with people we trust, and gradually build up our confidence in social situations.
It's hard to put myself out there when I'm scared of not being accepted. I guess what helps me is focusing on the quality of a few close friendships rather than trying to be everyone's best friend. That way, I don't feel so threatened by others' relationships.
Feeling anxious over potential rejection is such a common experience. I try to remind myself that everyone has their own circle of friends, and that doesn't diminish the value of our connection. Opening up about my feelings sometimes brings me closer to people.
The worry of being rejected or feeling left out can be overwhelming. I find it helpful to express my feelings openly with trusted friends. They often reassure me that my concerns are valid but also remind me that I'm valued in their lives.