In a bid to overcome fear of rejection, a journalist embarks on a month-long experiment in 'rejection therapy', approaching strangers with bizarre requests destined to be refused. The therapy, pioneered by IT worker Jason Comely, involves daily challenges to inoculate against fear of rejection, and has gained popularity on TikTok with over 98 million tags.
The journalist's first task is to ask a stranger in King's Cross station to borrow £100. Despite the intense embarrassment, the request is politely declined, fulfilling the exercise's purpose. The journalist admits to fears including failure, social humiliation, and even coleslaw, noting that night terrors prompted a therapist to suggest a deeper examination of these anxieties.
Soft-launching the experiment at a friend's birthday party, the journalist asks for a lighter and receives it, then requests a 10-minute Taylor Swift song from a DJ, who declines amiably. The journalist plans to escalate challenges, perhaps by requesting a GP appointment, to experience harder rejections.
The daily pressure to seek rejection weighs heavily, with the journalist scanning crowds for targets. The experiment aims to build resilience, but the journalist acknowledges the soul-crushing embarrassment involved, questioning whether such discomfort truly strengthens character.
