Are you self reliant, to what extent?
By abroji
@abroji (3247)
India
July 31, 2007 9:37pm CST
"Some people pride themselves on the fact that they are self-sufficient and do not need the help of others. We try to teach our children to stand on their own two feet. Those who think that accepting help is a sign of weakness—and that refusing help is a sign of strength, courage and wisdom—have taken self-reliance a step too far. It is good to be active in doing things with no help, but in real life there are always times when every person will be weak (even if for a short time) and need help."
For me I try to be a self reliant person, but often need other's help in moving ahead with the problems of life. I am not hesitant to ask for help when I am in need of some. However I am very choosy about selecting people for asking help.
Okay friends, now tell me what is your opinion about this?
Are you a self reliant person?
Does self reliance restrict you from asking any help at all from others?
Do you think asking help from others will be interpreted as weakness?
3 people like this
7 responses
@pendragon (3348)
• United States
1 Aug 07
I am self-reliant to a fault,lol. If there's something I need done and can't do it myself, I learn it and do it.You really can't trsut anyone else, so I like to take care of myself and my peeps.
1 person likes this
@pendragon (3348)
• United States
1 Aug 07
I find getting ripped off much more inconvenient.I think it comes from having gone to the garage, not been happy with the repair they supposedly made and then watching umpteen videos on you tube about just how they rip you off.(This particular establishment.) fresh wounds.
1 person likes this
@abroji (3247)
• India
1 Aug 07
Not having trust over any one is most inconvenient, no? I trust others. Only upon some proven things will I will loose my trust over somebody. May be some bad experience you had in the past made you to decide this way. Getting help and giving help are not that bad. Still I respect your views.
Thank you pendragon for your response.
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
3 Aug 07
I happen to be one of those people, proud that I am able to be self-sufficient. This is probably because I had to start working at a young age, even when I was still schooling. I work because I do not like the way those "eyes" look at me, as if any moment, I might beg them for food. Until today, I have been self reliant and sufficient. Perhaps it was because of habit, I seldom ask people for personal favours.
1 person likes this
@abroji (3247)
• India
4 Aug 07
That is great. Self reliance as many other things , is developed in a person,very much influenced by circumstances. Situations make someone to struggle from a very young age. But these struggles develope within that person a sort of immunity to resist and overcome hazards. Such people will be more self reliant.
1 person likes this
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
1 Aug 07
I cannot but be self reliant because I am the only earning member in the family and all needs are to be borne by me. You just would not realize the burden I am being put into, and at times I get dissipated due to problems.
@abroji (3247)
• India
1 Aug 07
Yes, when we have to shoulder all the burdens ourselves and when problems are in plenty, I can understand how it feels. But if we have some one to share them, not necessarily financially, but even emotional support better the situation. Having somebody to seek for help is great.
Thank you friend for the response.
@eshaan (6188)
• India
1 Aug 07
I am self reliant in the way that I have not taken anybody's help maybe financial or otherwise, but some times I agree that time comes in your life that you need somebody's help in such conditions I would ask for help to those people only, whom I have been helping till now.
1 person likes this
@abroji (3247)
• India
1 Aug 07
I am not that much rigid in the matter of self reliance. Even in times of financial matters I have seeked the help of others. Only thing is that we should be trustworthy. I cannot imagine if anybody can live without any help from others. My policy is that we can take help from others, but we should not become a nuicence to them. Also, we should help others too.
Thank you eshaan for your response.
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
1 Aug 07
i am self reliant to a fault. I know this because my friends get angry with me...I will work my way thru and have...anything without asking for help...It takes alot for me to ask for help and when I do...I have to pay or else. It is really an issue with me. If I am to help a friend...my values are different...I will not accept pay. I do think this thinking has made me stronger but maybe because I am so extreme...I could have/should have asked for help at times. My friends really get upset. I think the problem lies with me and my pride. There has to be a middle ground. I just haven't found it.
1 person likes this
@kristys_red_barn (71)
• United States
1 Aug 07
I tend to think I'm self reliant, but I'm not sure my spouse would agree with me, seeing as how I ask for his help often. Most generally I would prefer to do things myself (so they get done right), but I will ocassionally ask for help if I need it, but I am very selective who I will ask and I will only ask those who I know will not view it as a weakness.
1 person likes this
@liranlgo (5752)
• Israel
1 Aug 07
Yes i am a self reliant person.
I do know that it all starts with our education at an early age. My education was do everything yourself, relay only on your self, and try to learn and solve things by your self.
But now i do know that this kind of education gives you the chance to be more independent in life, but also is a problem at times.
I know that today i do know how to ask help from others, but i still am having a hard time with it.
And alote of other things.
Like in everything it has it's good sides and it's bad ones.
@abroji (3247)
• India
1 Aug 07
Don't be hesitant to ask for help at times of real need. Man is a social being. Nobody can seclude him/herself for the sake of selfreliance. We should feel free to ask for help to our friends and collegues. I don't think it will affect the degree of our self reliance.
Thank you.
