Grumpy Old Ganz

We All Can Use Help From Time to Time

Some people seem to be too proud, prideful or maybe it’s just plain stubborn to ask for or accept help when it’s offered. It can be extremely frustrating for some of us. Some seem to think that by accepting “help” they are somehow indebted to that person. They don’t want to feel like they need to repay a good deed in some way.

As far as I’m concerned, offering help to someone comes without strings attached or the expectation of being compensated in any shape or form. Sometimes a person can offer help or maybe a suggestion that might help and the other person does not graciously accept it. This is frustrating for the person who wants to help, but that helpful person also has to realize some people don’t want to take a hand-out and want to pay their own way in life.

As for myself, I wait until it’s a real need before asking or accepting help…so I get where they may be coming from.

Here’s my question: At what point do you stop offering your help and say “hey…I threw you a rope if you don’t want to use it…stay in the hole then” and walk away? I guess my common sense tells me when you feel like you continue to bang your head against a brick wall then you will finally realize it’s time to stop offering.

On the flip side of this are those who will ask for help just because they don’t “want” to do something or are just plain lazy. Thereby exploiting someone else’s willingness to help and taking advantage of their good nature. That is beyond reproach!

With all that has happened over the last couple of years, I have definitely seen a change in people’s attitudes. We all could use a little help from time to time. But if you refuse it, don’t whine about it later!