How to react if you feel rejected by one or more friends
Feeling rejected happens to everyone at some point, and it's never easy. When the rejection comes from our own group of friends, we don't always know how to react. We talk about it in this article.
To remember
👉 Tell your friends how you feel: this way you'll know if it's in your head or if there really is a problem.
👉 Let go if needed. If your friends make no effort, turn to other people. You've already made friends, you can do it again!
Sometimes it's a feeling we have and it's worth checking. Sometimes it's an inadequate or clumsy way some people use to send us a message or to help us understand something.
Here are 3 strategies that will help you if you're experiencing this kind of situation:
#1: Talk about it
Ask your friends what’s going on and tell them what you feel. In that way, you’ll know if what you’re thinking is true. Sometimes the situation is easy to solve. Other times, the problem is bigger, and it’s more complicated.
#2: Expand your circle of friends
Friendship is a bond that can change and break over time. A rejection hurts more if you’ve staked everything on only one person. Engage in new activities and get to know other people.
#3 Let go
If you feel that it's impossible to talk about the situation with your current friends, let it go for now, and turn to other people. You've managed to make friends in the past, and you can do it again!
Also, remember that you don't have to make friends only at school. For example, taking classes in your community or signing up at the youth center in your neighborhood are ways to meet other young people and build relationships with interesting people.
Remember that rejection is a temporary situation! Look around and observe: there are other people worth knowing, other environments to explore. You'll find other friends with whom you get along well.
If the situation makes you too sad, talk to an adult you trust, or contact us!
And what if my group rejects me because of my gender identity or sexual orientation?
Feeling excluded or sidelined, especially by people you considered friends, is very painful—especially when it's because of something as intimate and fundamental as your sexual orientation or gender identity.
You don't deserve to be rejected, judged, or demeaned for who you are—or even for what others think you are. Your identity is legitimate. Your feelings are valid. And you deserve to be surrounded by people who see you, listen to you, and accept you fully, without conditions.
Sometimes, when people reject someone because of their orientation or identity, it’s because they don’t understand, or they are afraid of what is different. But that’s no excuse. It’s not your job to hide or change for their comfort. It’s their job to learn, grow, or step away if they can't be respectful.
🏳️🌈 If your group rejects you for these reasons, they are probably not the friends you deserve to have.
Even if you feel alone now, there are people who can welcome you with kindness: other young people, LGBTQ+ groups, trusted adults, associations. And of course, Tel-jeunes will always welcome you without any judgment.
