The feelings of rejection can affect adoptees differently. I imagine it depends on a number of different things such as the type and/or length of rejection. The adoptees' personality and the support and love they received will impact how they deal with the rejection. Every person deals and reacts to things in their own way and this is no different.

I blogged about my feelings of rejection by my older sister (birth child) in the posting Adoptee’s Feelings of Rejection. This has impacted my life and me as a person. I do not allow people to get close to me. This does make some people think I am a cold and distant person. The people that I do let close to me know that is the farthest thing from the truth. I do not show my feelings to people outside my inner comfort circle. My older sister has probably only seen me cry outside a funeral a couple of times and showing vulnerability is out of the question. The most damaging thing for me out of my sister’s rejection is my mother always says, “That is her (meaning my older sister) being her.” What I heard and felt is that it was unimportant how my sister made me feel, or she could get away with whatever she said or did to me. This has also affected my relationship with my mom.

Rejection can affect an adoptee without having a large or ongoing impact with him or her. With other adoptees, the rejection can affect every part of their lives from relationships, jobs, self esteem, deep rooted anger, and so many other areas. Adoptees that have dealt with rejection over and over can allow it to consume or destroy their lives. If you find yourself allowing the rejection to overcome you, it may be time to start some counseling.