A strange feeling...

[jay]

A sweetie of mine today sent me an email. "...since you don't like to ask for help, I thought I'd ask for some as a way to generate ideas."

And she posted a question. And received a warm and supportive response, from her friends, who naturally assumed that it was something of concern to her. And there were, in fact, some useful ideas there for me.

It's a strange feeling watching the difference in responses over there, though, compared to the kinds of responses, or lack thereof, over here when I ask for advice. I can't help but wonder how it would have been different if I'd directly posted exactly the same question in my own journal. Some people would not have replied, certainly. Others I feel would have been less likely to offer their comments or help. And there's a nagging feeling that I would have been somehow "made to be wrong" or criticized if I'd opened myself up in exactly the same way.

Still, this was a loving and supportive act on my sweetie's part, even if I feel a bit sheepish... would these people have been as helpful if they'd known?

Comments

[stef-tm.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I would have offered the same response with a couple of additions regarding work (since I find mine so rewarding and I suspect you may as well.)

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Interesting... thanks for that data point. :) And the advice (over there) as well. Would you still recommend contacting gorgonphobic? ;-)

[stef-tm.livejournal.com]

Oh, absolutely. The woman is a rockstar...and she'll do anything to help a friend.

Example:
gorgonphobic used to work in the entertainment industry. About two years ago I was quite down and she asked me if I wanted a phone call from Helen Mirren. Yes, the actress who was hitting the zenith of her fame at around that time. (She knows I have quite the crush on Helen Mirren.)

I declined (what in the world would I say to Helen Mirren?!?) but was touched she was willing to go out on a bizarre limb to make me feel better or at least distract me from my feelings.