Until you know the true reason for rejection you are speculating at your own risk. You may give up on a relationship or job too soon and be dead wrong. Is it rejecting you or are you rejecting it? Handling rejection as a taking off point rather than terminal condition opens many opportunities.

Here are five conditions under which you are likely to be rejected including suggested responses:

1. The person has no need for what you offer or what you represent. That hurts, but it’s no big deal. There is nothing to be gained from a relationship with a disagreeable or negatively disposed person, so let it go and move on.

2. The person has misunderstood what you have to offer or what you represent. That hurts, but it’s no big deal. Ask for an opportunity to explain. Try to change his or her mind by providing new information or offering clarification.

3. The person has recognized a personal weakness or a flaw in what you offer. That hurts, but it’s no big deal. Acknowledge your shortcoming and agree to apply one or more of your other strengths to compensate.

4. The person has revealed something negative about you or what you offer that was previously unknown to you. That hurts, but it’s no big deal. Thank him or her for being honest. Acknowledge the fault and agree to try harder in the future.

5. The person has no clear idea of what he or she is looking for. That hurts, but it’s no big deal. So, you may feel rejected for a highly arbitrary decision and not even know it. There not much you can do about this situation, so let it go and move on.