This is amazing, thank you! I particularly appreciated this quote:
people want to help, but they can’t help if they don’t know someone is suffering or struggling, or what the other person needs and how to help effectively, or whether it is their place to help – perhaps they want to respect others’ privacy or agency. A direct request can remove those uncertainties, such that asking for help enables kindness and unlocks opportunities for positive social connections. It can also create emotional closeness when you realize someone trusts you enough to share their vulnerabilities, and by working together toward a shared goal.
It’s hard to keep this in mind, I think. I think I face too much fear of rejection and that stops me from taking an action like this that could ultimately do the exact opposite. Fascinating!
Thank you! This was helpful, and I added context to the post as well. This is indeed help from friends. I’ll have to try thinking of it as a favor and see what that does to how likely I am to ask!