Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible

by Jia Jiang

I offered the money to only five people. Here are the results: Person #1: She was very happy and kept saying, “That was very sweet of you!” She also offered to “give it to somebody, too,” when she saw a person in need. Person #2: She eyed me with some suspicion and asked me if there was a catch to my offer. After hearing that there was no catch, she smiled and took the money—but told me to come back and pick it up if I needed it. Person #3: He flatly refused the offer, saying, “I don’t need $5.” Before walking away, he pointed toward a nearby homeless shelter. “There are plenty of guys on the street who would die to have $5. Why don’t you give it to them?” Person #4: He asked me what the $5 was for. “Nothing,” I said. He walked away quickly. Person #5: She also asked me what it was for. Again, I said, “Nothing.” She laughed uncomfortably and walked away. In the end, two said yes, and three said no.