I had three preschoolers. My nearby friend had four preschoolers. I was overwhelmed many times. She was overwhelmed most of the time. When I ran errands, I occasionally offered to include hers. She always declined, but that changed after I needed mulch.
Potential buyers were coming one afternoon. Our house was for sale in a buyer’s market, and mulch would significantly improve our curb appeal. However, my husband had the car at work the morning my realtor called.
During a quick morning phone conversation, my friend mentioned she was taking all—yes, all four—of her preschoolers shopping at a garden center. At that moment, I was desperate enough to ask for mulch. My friend drove up a couple hours later with three oversized bags, and I immediately spread under our azaleas.
More than mulch, she brought a new attitude. My future offers to help were embraced. I don’t know why. Maybe she realized that adding items to a cart did not impose. Whatever the reason, our friendship grew from my mulch request.
It didn’t stop there. Other friendships grew when I was vulnerable to ask for the help I needed.
Do you need encouragement to accept help?
*Edited and republished for the fifth anniversary of 100words.
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