When to ask for help

It’s really tough to ask friends for help since it feels like we can’t handle our affairs. And yet we all face experiences that are so difficult, it is impossible to cope by ourselves. Some folks know the right things to do but others will look to you for guidance. Here are some things you might ask for when facing a tough time:

1. Ask to have a lunch or dinner order picked up at a favorite food outlet. I did this with a friend, leaving a lunch order over her voicemail, giving her the restaurant and requested delivery time. She showed up at the appointed hour and said she was grateful she was able to help me out.

2. Take a friend up on a blanket offer to help in any way. You be the judge on which offers are just conversation and which are sincere. I used a friend’s blanket offer for dinner companionship and she provided transportation and compassionate conversation.

3. A partner or family member can only take so much time off from work for appointments. A friend may be more than willing to accompany you and even take the edge off the day with a stop for coffee or lunch.

4. You might not have the time to shop for needed items. You can ask a friend to handle the transaction or, you can contact the store, make the transaction, and ask a friend to pick it up.

5. If you really like the rotisserie chickens at one store, or need milk twice a week, ask a friend who shops where you shop to pick up a standing order for you each week. And you can request a separate receipt to ease reimbursement.