I’ve been reflecting on something a lot lately, and I want to share it in case it resonates with anyone else.
I’m usually a pretty independent person. I’ve always tried to handle things on my own and not burden the people around me. But when I’m in a really vulnerable, weak spot and I finally reach out for support, it often feels like my urgency doesn’t fully land. The help I’m asking for gets left up in the air, or it doesn’t feel taken as seriously as I need it to be.
When someone like me—who rarely asks—does reach out, it means we’re genuinely struggling and don’t have the capacity to carry it alone anymore. It’s not easy for us to show that side. So when we do and still feel unseen or left hanging, it hits especially hard. It can leave you feeling lonely and kind of gutted, even when you know everyone else has their own stuff going on.
A lot of people struggle to read that kind of vulnerability in real time. Their own stuff is loud, the timing is off, or they just don’t grasp how deep it is for you because you’re usually the solid one. It’s not usually intentional… but it still hurts.
If you’re someone who relates to this—being the “strong” or self-reliant one until you’re not—know you’re not alone in feeling this way. And if you’re someone who has independent people in your life, maybe this is a gentle reminder: when they finally ask, that’s a big deal. Their vulnerability is real, even if they don’t show it often.
Just putting this out there for anyone who needs to hear it. Sending love to everyone carrying heavy stuff right now. 💛
