Affection vs. Rejection: Understanding Their Impact Through Examples - Chandrani Singh

 

Affection and rejection are two powerful emotional experiences that shape how we feel, behave, and interact with others. Both play crucial roles in our lives, affecting our relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Affection is the feeling of love, care, and warmth that we show or receive from others. It can be expressed through kind words, gentle touch, thoughtful actions, or simply spending time together. I would like to give an example of my own life. This incident was about 4 years ago. There was a boy whom I taught in class 4th and now he was in class 11th. He was a hostler and very frequently some of the hostlers came to me and shared many of the things with me. So this guy whom I am talking about came to me and showed me some bruises on his arms. 

When I asked him about it he started crying and said ma'am the warden has beaten me. I asked him why don't tell your parents about it, and he said that ma'am it would be of no use because his parents would blame him only. He wanted to share it with someone so he came to me. He knew that I wouldn't be able to help him but still, he wanted to talk to me. I think somewhere in his life he got that affection from me, which he wanted from his parents. I wanted to give a hug to the boy but I couldn't, since he was in class 11th. But as I talked to him, he felt quite relieved. This act of affection not only comforts the child but also reassures them that they are loved and supported no matter what.

Rejection, on the other hand, is the feeling of being pushed away or excluded. It can be expressed through harsh words, neglect, or ignoring someone’s needs or feelings. As I gave the example above if the boy had not been rejected by his parents, then his feelings would have been different. Over time, this repeated rejection can make you feel unwanted or undervalued, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness or insecurity.

The Impact:

Affection nurtures positive emotions, fosters close relationships, and builds a sense of security and self-worth. When we experience affection, we feel valued, loved, and accepted, which encourages us to be open and trusting with others.

Rejection, however, can have the opposite effect. It can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and isolation. Repeated experiences of rejection can harm self-esteem, making it harder to form and maintain healthy relationships.

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between affection and rejection and how they influence our emotions is crucial. By being mindful of how we treat others, we can choose to express affection, fostering positive connections and contributing to a more supportive and caring environment. Recognizing the impact of rejection helps us be more empathetic and encourages us to be kinder in our interactions, ensuring that we don’t inadvertently harm those around us.

Chandrani Singh

Sunbeam School Indiranagar