My take on fearing rejection:

My experience has shown me time and time again that my fears of being rejected or not accepted are the result of my negative self-talk. I can really do a number on myself especially right before a social event. Thoughts such as, "I'll say something silly", "No one will like me" or "What will I say?" race through my thoughts. With thoughts like these, no wonder I feel depressed and don't want to go.

My predictions (thoughts) about whether or not any given situation will end up by me feeling rejected is about 98% incorrect. Low self-esteem certainly plays a large role in the way I think. In my experience, the quickest way to better self-esteem comes from first identifying all the ugly lies that we tell ourselves (some do this more than others) and then reformulating a more realistic statement. "I will say something silly" could be turned into "Everyone from time-to-time says something silly, it's part of being human". Testing the reality of my thoughts has made me realize that "thoughts are not emotions".

As far as actually experiencing rejection by someone I admire, do my automatic thoughts "I am unlovable" or "I am unworthy" help me or lead me down the path of depression?

What are your thoughts?