what is the fear of rejection?

Answer 1

The fear of rejection is like a reminder that we are off the grid of our societal conditioning - and also a trigger to make us desire reconnection with it. We are conditioned to 'fit in' with the social heirarchy and to compete with each other within this heirarchy. You have the haves and the have nots - and most of us are afraid of being percieved by others in this heirarchy as a 'have not.' Especially when when the person percieving us is either 1) 'above' us in the heirarchy or 2) possible threats to our own 'position' within it. Being liked and accepted is imperative to our very survival - and this is very deeply embedded in our psyches - both personal AND collective. It's interesting to see how the act of rejecting another is actually a power play within the heirarchy, because the more fearful we can make another person of our rejection, the more power we have over them. Some are very 'talented' at using rejection to control others - both 'above' and 'below' them in order to 'put them in their place.'

This is society as we know it. It stinks!

Answer 2

Insecurity and lack of self-confidence.