Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
I’m currently listening to a podcast where they’re talking about the fear of rejection. I love listening to podcasts because, to me, they’re calming and relaxing.
I’m too afraid to confess to the person… We’ve actually been friends for more than 7 years now, so I don’t want to ruin that either.
I’m 20 years old right now, and he’s 23 years old. We’re childhood friends.

[image taken by the author, Mushamir Mustafa]
I don’t think I have shown signs that I’m interested in him (well, he hasn’t really gotten my signal), and I cannot say for sure that he has shown much interest in me. So, that’s why I have this fear to begin with! (laughs).

[source: Josh Hild on Pexels]
If I had to confess to him, I’d probably just invite him out for coffee, talk to him more, and then tell him how much I liked him.
But I don’t think I could do it. I’m afraid… Maybe I’ll try one day… I don’t know when (laughs), but I’ll try.
I had a boyfriend previously, but we broke up two years ago. He cheated on me with my best friend. I found out when I saw her texting him. I don’t talk to either of them, and I don’t think they even got together.
Honestly, I wasn’t mad at my best friend at the time because my ex-boyfriend was actually the first one who initiated it. My best friend wasn’t reciprocating romantically, but she did talk badly about me to him. I have other friends, and I was closest to her, but she treated me like this.
What did you learn from the podcast?
I just started listening, actually! But so far, I’ve learned that it’s better to just confess to the person you like.

[image taken by the author, Mushamir Mustafa]
“If they don’t like me back, then I’ll just have to accept it. If I don’t tell them how I feel, then I’ll just stay in the same place and hope for something that won’t arrive.”
I know I should confess, but I’m still going to take small steps towards it.
Do you know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at hello@inreallife.my and we may feature the story.
For more stories like this, read:
5 Ways of Dealing with Rejection When Your Crush Rejects You
I was Rejected by My Best Friend – How My Mom Taught Me To Believe In Love Again
You might also like
More from Real People
How CNY Gambling Cost Me RM12,000 (And Maybe My Marriage)
This anonymous submission is about a M'sian man who bitterly regrets giving in to his gambling habit over Chinese New …
M’sian Food Delivery Rider’s Quick Thinking Saves Elderly Man From Silent Heart Attack
This story is about a heroic M’sian food delivery rider whose quick thinking saved an elderly man from a silent …
“I Don’t Trust M’sian Doctors Anymore,” Shares Man Who Lost Wife and Baby
This story is about a man who says he now distrusts the M’sian medical system after his wife tragically passed …