The Friendship Wearied by Low Self-Esteem and Fear of Rejection (J’Leen)

After a girls’ weekend, Shasta returned home feeling drained—her friend J’Leen seemed to often take things personally and question how accepted she was in the group. Again, they’d spent much of their time together reassuring her to no avail. Today, Shasta and J’Leen explore how J’Leen’s fears of rejection and abandonment developed, how her attempts to shield herself from potential rejection led to actual rejection, and what triggered her fears. They also consider how it feels to be on the other side, trying to love someone who cannot see or feel it. Finally, they reveal how J’Leen learned to become her own best friend, and how her journey of personal growth and self-awareness transformed her life and relationships.

In this episode, Shasta and J’Leen answer the questions:

• How can a fear of rejection and/or fear of abandonment develop?
• How does it feel to be a friend to someone with a fear of rejection / fear of abandonment?
• How can self-love transform our relationships?
• What can trigger a fear of rejection and/or fear of abandonment?
• What can you do to support a friend struggling from fear of rejection / fear of abandonment?
• Why does a fear of rejection sometimes lead to actual rejection? 

Resource Links:

• Christine Arylo’s book on self-love: Madly in Love With Me
• Take the Frientimacy quizzes: Positivity Quiz, Consistency Quiz, Vulnerability Quiz
  • Learn more about the Frientimacy Triangle in Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness
• More of Shasta’s books on belongingness and human connection:
  • Friendships Don’t Just Happen!: The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of GirlFriends
  • The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of Our Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time

Join Shasta’s mailing list to be the first to know about upcoming episodes, friendship coaching, trips, and more: https://www.shastanelson.com/mailing-list. 

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