Learning Points: Rejection hurts just like physical pain and we are hard-wired to experience it

A recent study has shown that rejection is a far more profound and physical experience than we might think, writes Richard Hogan

A recent study suggests that shows that being rejected can be one of the most painful experiences we have as humans. Photo: File photo

You mightn’t think it, but being the St Columba’s Boy’s National School traffic warden was a pretty decent way to meet girls. 

Each morning and afternoon you’d find me in position, shouting into the air: "Prepare to stop traffic!", to which my colleagues would launch their lollipop signs out in front of disgruntled parents rushing to and from work. Our job was to safely allow our fellow peers across the road — and by God, we took it seriously.