Comments on: Asking for the Airplane

By: sarah

sarah — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:36:13 +0000

Oh I rarely ask for help. But, I agree with take NO for an answer. I hate it when I say “no” and I’m continually pestered about why, why not, are you sure…? Argh! Often I relent and do whatever it is anyhow. So frustrating.

Oh, and being specific is wonderful, too. You really, really need to do this with men. I’ve had some communication issues recently with my husband, and I know it boils down to the two of us not being specific with what we need.

By: Becca~TimeWellSpent

Becca~TimeWellSpent — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:30:25 +0000

I certainly don’t take the risks of asking for help the way I should. I too am usually pleasantly surprised when i do ask for help, help with the kids or something else. People are more willing than we think sometimes.
I agree, we should also keep in mind that even if the answer is “no” that’s not a rejection of us but maybe a reason we don’t know about.

By: mandie

mandie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:11:58 +0000

This is timely, and therapeutic for me, as I’m on the other end in a situation right now. I’m the one being asked for something that I don’t think is quite fair, and instead of dragging it out and asking for ‘pity’ from others, which, inevitibly would lead to gossiping, I will just say no, and be done with it.

Thank you for the gentle nudging, whether it was meant or not.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:49:35 +0000

I’ve recently stepped out of the boat and asked a bold question of someone in a forgiveness situation. I basically received a “yes” but with hesitation. What do you do with that? I know how to react to a yes. I know how to heal from a no. But how do you react to a “yes” with a hesitation or a “yes” with conditions. That’s what I fear. When the decision is put back on you again…

By: OneGirl

OneGirl — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:37:10 +0000

I don’t really like to ask. It feels like I’m normally the one being asked, I suppose. I know in a past relationship I almost always assumed what the answer would be. ‘Oh I can’t ask her that, she’ll say no.’ or ‘There’s no way she would do that for me.’ etc. Maybe I need to be more of a ‘asker.’

By: N.A. Winter

N.A. Winter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:24:49 +0000

I had a professor who used to tell us to “ask the ridiculous questions.” I still hear him saying this when I hesitate to ask.

By: Bomi Jolly - JollyNotes.com

Bomi Jolly - JollyNotes.com — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:58:08 +0000

Loved this… It made me smile, very nicely put together too! I think my favorite tip is #2 – Be Specific! So true… I have to remember to always be specific and not assume people will figure it out. Thanks for sharing!

~Bomi

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:48:27 +0000

I’m usually an asker…as a result, I am also a giver. For example, I love pictures and have no fear of asking someone to take a picture of me and my loved one(s). In return, I usually notice when one person in a group is left out of a picture to be the photographer, and I offer to take one for them.

It never hurts to ask, but you added some great boundaries.

By: April

April — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:48:16 +0000

This message was so timely for me today, Sarah! I would LOVE to believe that I am an asker, but after serious consideration I realize that I am not. I don’t ask. I think about asking, think of all the reasons I should NOT ask, think of all the reasons that I should be or probably will be told no if I do ask, and then I move on in frustration. Up until this very moment, I did not realize that I even do that! I need to ponder this some more and pray about how to become better at this asking thing!

By: Ashley

Ashley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:05:10 +0000

I have a hard time asking because I don’t like to impose on anybody. I don’t want to be a bother or inconvenience them in any way. So most of the time, I don’t ask. Even if I do need the help.