Stuart, I had no idea you ever felt this way. I think we all have this fear, but to acknowledge it, and share it…being vulnerable openly, that’s HUGE kudo’s to you, my dear. I can’t imagine anyone asking to see Lizzo, and saying NO! So glad you powered through
You're an amazing human being, Stuart. I hope you find joy in this messed up world. Thank you for sharing your challenges and talent. Hope the concert was a blast!
It took me having to fight breast cancer to overcome my many fears, because I realized how much I wanted to live... really live! Thanks for opening up and sharing your struggles with us Stewart. ☺️ It's never to late to be brave, because I'm in my forties y'all. ❤️
The list of things that I could have done but never did because I was too scared is way too long. I'm trying to change that now. Happy that you are too. Hope you had a great time. PS: I'm thoroughly enjoying these little talks too ❤
Thank you for sharing this, Stuart! You are right - fear of rejection shouldn’t stop us fron doing what we want to do. Besides, rejection really doesn’t have anything to do with you, and often it is more painful for the person who has to reject someone and miss a fun event because of other commitments. I’m happy you went to the concert, I hope you’ve had a great time!!! Your outfit looks amazing 🙂
This is a really great place for you to be in. We have to find that bridge between being OK with being by ourselves, and being ready to be with other people. And that bridge is reaching out and trying to make connections. It is daunting, it is scary. You are stronger than you think, you’re braver than you think, and you are more OK than you think. This is very relatable. I am no less proud of you though. .
I love that you found the courage to ask! Inaction will ALWAYS keep you still.. I think the saying is 'if uou don't ask..the answer will ALWAYS be no'.
Okay, 1: you look fantastic. 2: people will make time for you when they are able to. 3: I'd have absolutely gone with, but I'm an ocean away And 4: hope you had an awesome time at the concert!
First, your outfit was cute. Can’t go wrong with the basics. Second, I’m happy that you took a chance, branched out of your comfort zone, and ended up having a great time. ☺️💚
Stuart, I hope you have a wonderful time. I feel like everthing you said so resonates with me. That fact is that rejection is awful but I hear you, once it happens you're not locked into the fear anymore and it gives you an avenue to move forward. So I'm proud of you and again, I hope you have a great time at the concert.
I love that we're talking about this! As someone with major social anxiety, I love to hear people learning and growing from their fear of rejection! I'll get there someday.
I am SO proud of you for pushing past this lifelong 'limiting belief' to grow and to experience greatness! This is such a testimony for us to see we can all do this. How many things have I missed out on due to fear. Thank you Dear Friend ☺️
This resonated so much. The number of experiences I missed out on when I was younger for the same reasons is too large. But I’ve changed (and still am changing) that. I’m so excited for you to be at this stage, being content in solitude but still pushing outside your comfort zones, taking risks, and making connections. It’s a scary process, finding that middle ground. Proud of you! You looked fantastic, and I hope you had a great time 😊❤
Man, I have to remind myself everyday that rejection is ok and occasionally it's good for us. It helps us learn and grow. Hope you have fun at the concert, Stuart!
This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for this message. I could have used these exact words for pretty much the entirety of my youth & 20’s. I’m so sorry this is something you’ve struggled with but I’m so glad it’s something your overcoming and made a message of strength & perseverance for generations to come. I appreciate you. ☺️😇
I'm happy for you that you found the wisdom and the courage to overcome the fear of rejection. 👏I agree that inaction is worse than fear of rejection. The regret of not having tried something gnaws more than the idea that the other does not appreciate us because we are disappointed in ourselves.
😖 - this is WAY too relatable... I had the courage to go to a concert by myself exactly ...once (& I had even met a couple people there before). It's terrifying! So happy & proud you did it! Hope you had an amazingly marvelous time 😊
I love this videos and how the simple thing of you uploading them helps people like me, and a lot of your followers to know we are not the only ones feeling those things, it really feels nice to see these kind of fears being talked about... I really hope you have fun on that concert ❣
This resonates so much. These past few years I've been trying to live my life with the thought that if you don't ask the answer will always be no. Thank you for sharing ♥️
I am so happy for you! There is something amazingly freeing about being able to enjoy something on your own! I had a lot of the same fears as you about rejection & awkwardness. I finally worked thru them in my late 20s & early 30s and my 30s have been an amazing time of growth, affirmation, love and joy. You have such a wonderful skill of expressing yourself, with both your words & your face. I hope you find/continue building your tribe of people who see how awesome you are!
Proud of you, boyo. That shows real emotional growth to not only realize that other people's time is as valuable to them as your own but to also realize that being scared into inaction is worse than any rejection that you might get.
First of all: Really cool look!!! Love the little braid. 😎 Second: Yep, inaction is way worse than being rejected. I feel you, for many years I tried to avoid unpleasant experiences without noticing that those experiences are important too, to live and learn.
I’m sure a lot of us needed to hear this today in some form or another thank you for sharing and I love it that even though we’re not the same age we are still been through a lot of the things that you portray that’s good I don’t feel so alone even though I know logically I’m not alone in this that doesn’t mean that like emotionally I don’t feel alone, but mine was the opposite. When I was younger I was out, going on to full and bright, and you know all the things, and it was easy to make friends and now as a 39 divorce mom it’s so hard to try to get out there due to rejection issues so it’s like I have to try to reprogram how I see things now the weather in the 20s 30s late 30s as mine. This gives me hope and I won’t be alone an old cat lady I know I am and I’m proud of it but you know me lol or the Mimi with the new mail all the cats America colors ha ha. Hope you had so much fun. I love you to pieces much heart keep up the great work you’re inspirational #Truth.
I understand that fear. I'm older now, but when I was younger I sometimes was crippled by it. I was bullied at school and that is why I had confidence issues. I hope you have a great time and the Lizzo concert!
Your calm, casual words of advice and encouragement are alway just what’s needed! I think I’m stuck somewhere in between working through fear of rejection and anxiety over any kind of social situation. Which is tricky. It’s nice to have someone go somewhere with me for the anxiety but then there’s the anxiety/fear of asking someone to go. It’s hard to pick which anxiety battle to fight sometimes.
I am constantly scared of rejection in many forms, and I am at the beginning of learning to deal with rejection so if you can do it, we all can. We’re rooting for you Stuart! You’re amazing and you’re so good with opening up about your mental health as it seems to help you and many others (myself included). Have a good day Stuart 😊
Thank you for generalizing the rejection. A lot of people concentrate on rejection only as it applies romantically, not concerning all types of relationships! Genuinely proud of the effort you put into overcoming it!!
Well done. It can be very liberating to face a fear and the anxiety that can come with it. You have to keep moving forward and growing through every time you face and overcome a perceived obstacle.
I'm gonna steal from SJM here and say 'Keep reaching out your hand'. I'm happy you get to go to the concert, I'm excited you're growing past your fears and I absolutely love those little talks! Have a great rest of your week and take care 🤗
You're such an incredible person, Stuart ❤️ I stumbled across your content mindlessly flipping through reels on Facebook, and have been blown away by the content of your character. Keep being you, love. I'm cheering you on!
Okay, I am a new subscriber after seeing your last short about mental health. Really loving this content! Thank-you so much for daring to raise awareness and empathy on behalf of those of us who are fighting similar battles in our extremely private lives.
It's very similar to fear of failure in that way. It stops you from trying new things. Extremely common in people who were raised by parents who expected perfection
There was a lot of things I avoided in order to not feel rejected or that sense of loss. I never wanted to feel that again so I never had any expectations or plans anymore. But I didn't like living that way after a while and I finally found someone when I was in college that helped me feel safe again to open up and experience new things. So happy for you that you're learning to understand and grow. Keep being awesome!
Rejection and fear can cause us all to not go outside our comfort zone. BUT once we bravely go out and do something different it becomes a moment of joy and triumph.... great job Stuart ❤🎉
Stuart, truthfully I have one person whom I'd love to spend time with but he's busy now. I found that I could remember little things like how it felt to hold his hand or walk with him or just look into his eyes in order to go out in public places that were crowded. He was with me in spirit and that was enough so I wasn't scared anymore. I hope that helps you and that you are never scared of being alone.
2:50 I hope that you had a wonderful time and you looked great as always. Social anxiety can be paralyzing and completely overwhelming… your fears are valid and resonate with many of us around the world. I’m so glad that you made the decision to take action and go regardless of others to make yourself happy and gain this experience. Luv u always, Stuart ❤
Thank you for sharing this. It really makes sense to me because I have struggled with this and have missed out on some fun things because of that. I am so happy that you pushed yourself and letting us no we are not alone 🥰 Glad you had a great time!!!
My kid used to be so scared of being rejected himself that he'd say 'yes' to every request. Yes I'll play, yes I'll give you that pokemon card, etc. Now he's better at saying no, but I have to teach him to say 'no' with a little bit more grace (but I'm already so proud that he can draw that line now). Thank you for sharing your journey in this. I think it's important for others to see they're not alone, or to understand why people react the way they do - especially young men struggling with concepts like masculinity etc. Thank you ❤
It'll be fun. You'll have a great time. Although I do understand the whole rejection thing, and the fear of doing something you've never done before. The advice I was given for such events is to just take a step back and breath, even if your entire body is telling you to run. It also helps to tell those you trust and going with how you feel too, so they can give you support. Having said that, courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is feeling the fear and doing it anyway.
It’s crazy that I used to have so many fears when I was young. Now that I’m older and learning how to embrace the fears…I realize I don’t have many left. I’ve come to understand that you can’t ever get ride of fear, but you can embrace it. Make the weakness your greatest strength.
I can really relate to all of this! I have so much social anxiety... I literally can't handle it sometimes. But I was so bad, I would reject friendships and relationships before they could reject me. I'm better sometimes but still really bad. I wish I had the bravery you have. Keep sharing your experiences with us. You are amazing
This is relatable on many levels. I used to always quietly pine for people I quite liked because I was afraid of them rejecting me (partially because a few did so in very hurtful ways), but I have learned to just say something. You never know until you do and I think the things you make up in your head are 10x worse than what they will say.
It’s so freeing once you choose to either just go to things by yourself or just ask people to go with you! 😄 Hope you had an awesome time at the concert!
Having gone through the same as a young woman, I can tell you that you are now on the path to healing and being whole. I found that when I learned to like myself and to not be controlled by my own fears, and learned to accept that it's better to be alone for the right reason than with someone for the wrong reason, love found me and the right man finally came along. But I had to get my head on straight before life presented me the opportunity to find my husband. He's my best friend and understands me like no other, and we're still madly in love with each other.. 30th anniversary coming up next year, February. Love will find you, when you are ready.
im still working at it im so glad you are going for so much, i hope everything works out well , you have people cheering for you, smiling at your accomplishments & because of you realizing they are not alone in this , as always thank you for being here & choosing to be a light. " life is a dance & back steps are apart of that , remember we are meant to dance, the back steps are ok even if you have to wait a beat to step forward again" )im totally mis qouting it but it reminds me to forgive myself the back steps i take. keep moving & may your dance be wonderful , you are doing great ,proud of you
Thank you, Stuart. As someone who has just started to recognize that I have Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, this sounds like something that will help a great deal!
I used to be like this too. I'd miss out on all my favorites because of exactly what is mentioned here. It takes some time and strength but you will get there.
I didn't really start living until about 25-26 because before then I was so afraid of doing the wrong thing, making a fool of myself, being rejected. I think it gets easier to care less about it as you get older, you have experience and the sting of it dulls once you take into account that the lives of others are as full and vibrant and full of things to do as yours are.
So proud of you! Have an amazing experience; I can't wait to hear all about it! You'll need to give us the dance when you return too = so adorbs when you do it!
First, you look fabulous, great choices Second, you're absolutely right. Inaction is the preventative of many great things. And a few things better off avoided. But you never know if you don't act or ask. Third, I have found it a wonderful way to learn about people by saying yes to going to concerts with them. Music is an amazing way to share a part of yourself even if it's just in sharing your love of a particular artist. I hope you had a fantastic time.
I wish I were younger & knew where you are 😊 The conversation would be great - and the View 🥰 You are luscious, and share the insecurities we All do. Keep letting us into your corner of the world. You expand our horizons & fuel our dreams🤗
Aww honey I hope you have a great time! I used to have the same fears. Still do I suppose. But then also on the flip side I get terrified when people say yes if I was prepared for a No because it means I then have to socialize and that’s hard for me . But once I’m doing It I tend to be ok. Thank you for opening up. And honestly so proud of you that you’re facing that fear ❤❤❤
I went to my first concert *solo* when I was 29 bc I got so sick of being afraid. It was a band I know well & though it was at a new venue & I didn't encounter anybody I knew, I had the best time. I was able to hang out for as long as I wanted after the show & get to speak w the front man. It was an AMAZING feeling. Also, you're a stud. 💜 Fit looks good! 💋
Something to remember is that quite often, ppl will be disappointed they can't go. And some even worry they won't be liked or asked again. Anyway, have fun! 💙
I was like you. Now I’m like fuck it I’m gonna go on my own and it doesn’t bother me now! Seen many theatre shows and ballets because I no longer had that anxiety of going alone. Proud of you King 💜
I was always scared to go to concerts when I was younger because I always believed people only hung out with me to make fun of me (because my childhood was full of fun bullying experiences) and I wouldn't go to places I didn't know because I was terrified I'd be ditched and wouldn't know how to get back. I was 22 when I went to my first proper concert. It took me living in my own home with another person to go to a concert, the person I lived had moved to Yorkshire from Sunderland to live with me and because he lived with me I felt safe enough to finally go to a concert without worrying about being ditched. I still have rejection issues and don't actually make friends easily, I always find it easier to maintain friendships online and can't open up to the people I know in real life and I think that's because when I opened up to people in my formative years they would then make fun of me with the people that didn't like me. So much fun! I hope you're able to keep making progress on this front, you deserve happiness ❤❤❤
When you can not only acknowledge, but process, that people have their own lives and plans, that doesn't involve you - just as you have plans and activities that doesn't involve them - life becomes easier. It's great when your wishes and plans are matching, but absolutely ok, if not. Try to be self-sufficient, it helps with both fear of rejection and inaction. And have fun at a consert
Have an amazing time at the concert! Rejectiom is hard, but it's also necessary. Life finds a lot of ways to throw rejection at people. Instead of hiding from it out of fear, it's like you said, we need to embrace the possibility we may be rejected and find a way to navigate through it. It might hurt for a moment, but the pain will pass and you'll be just fine in the end. You'll also find yourself a little stronger, courageous and resilient for having processed that particular rejection. You can use these experiences to become a better version of yourself every day 🧡
This is so inspiring, I’m always so scared to do things… especially if I say things and fear rejection 😅 even if it’s something simple that most wouldn’t even think twice about… since I’m kinda alone and away from my family and what not, it’s been super hard trying to really open up and talk to people or anything… I try hard to get myself to step out of that fear but ya know… anyways, thank you for being open about this, it’s something a lot of us deal with as well♡