Depends on the depth of feelings I have for someone. I rarely put myself out there, and if I do, and things develop, then move forward into something deeper, more physical and emotional, and then I'm rejected? It hurts like hell. But like I said, I rarely do this, so I invest a lot of myself into someone when I do get to that kind of level of commitment.
I stopped doing that, investing as much of myself, and ended up in a horrid relationship which made me miserable and I felt trapped. So I kinda felt it was a no winner for me. Either I invest and get hurt, or I don't and am miserable!!! lol
Since then, I really try to be honest with myself and the other person and only take it to an emotional/physical relationship if I feel safe/secure....but then again, that chances rejection doesn't it?
Yeah, rejection sucks. Bottom line, if it doesn't? I don't think you're talking about the same kind of rejection -- like asking someone out and them saying no, isn't what I'm talking about...lol. That's no biggie. But putting yourself out there to be rejected....that's much, much harder!
Maybe that's why I'm so cautious.