Can we talk about "Mean girls"/social exclusion?

@skinicki

Hey there!

I just read that article and Id like to thank you for sharing it.

Peer rejection can definitely have an effect on social anxiety because the past experiences of this rejection will inevitably be projected to the future because nothing different is known to form a more positive schema.

On a personal level, I grew up in a small town and my year group in school was also smaller than perhaps an average year group and on this level I did have a few toxic friendships amongst my healthy friendships.

I do know that growing up, especially in my early teenage years at 13-15, I put a lot of emphasis on peoples opinion on me. I projected my entire worth as a person, on what my peers and others thought of me. I guess it is common, especially at that age, to be more sensitive of where you belong. I think it is common and human nature to care what people think about you, but perhaps in that moment, I felt I needed to be a certain type of person to be liked constantly.

As I grew up, I became more selective with who I associated myself with and who Id want to spend time with. This can be a hard thing as sometimes not everyone has the option of choosing who they get to spend time with.

I personally cope with any toxic relationships or friendships Ive had with people growing up by being more selective of the environment I place myself in and the people I want to talk to, rather than have to talk to. I also find that remembering that our worth is not based upon how people perceive us, or the quote Your value doesnt decrease based on someones inability to see your worth." as cliche as it is, it is true with experiences of peer rejection too.

<3