Seems there is some valid science behind the physical pain you feel when you are rejected. As a teenager I was pretty much socially rejected by girls as I was your typical geek and I remember that from time to time my ego was bruised and it was not a good feeling. The study shows that it is not only adolescents that are experiencing this which may as the article points out change the adage that sticks and stones may break your bones and words will never hurt you. Can you imagine saying may hurt you versus never and trying to explain that to a 6 year old. [Scientifc American]