The week Alan found out about his scary test results was a tough one. One night, I told my friend Stacy what was going on, and afterwards, she said something that completely surprised me. It was so sweet, thoughtful and incredibly simple, but I don’t know if anyone had ever asked me before. Being the wonderful friend she is, it makes perfect sense that she would ask…
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
It’s hard for me to ask for help (I always worry I’m inconveniencing people!) so her sincere question felt like a big relief. Now, whenever someone’s going through a difficult time, I’ll ask this question instead of saying, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” While it’s just subtly different, I like that it’s a little more direct.
Are you good at asking for help? Or are you the same way? What’s the best thing someone’s said to you during a tough time?
(top photo by Grace E. Jones, bottom photo by Jackie Bjornert)
That's so simple, yet so perfect! Sometimes I think it, but don't say it because… well, I don't know! I will definitely make it a point to say it more from now on.
I'm not good at asking people for things, either. I don't like or want to inconvenience others, and often I put on too brave of a face to make it seem like things are okay when they're not, because I want to seem strong. I've been working on reaching out to people more, though, and it's amazing how awesome and helpful so many people are and want to be!
I hope that things with Alan are going okay, and even though we are virtually strangers, please let me know if there's anything I can do for you in this tough time!
ami, you are so sweet. thank you for your offer. (it brought tears to my eyes!)
You bring tears to my eyes. I love you, Sob.
i love you too, stace! 🙂