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I had a few thoughts after publishing this post:

1. The need for so much help means we often can't meet our basic needs. We're already tired from not having enough when we begin to ask for help.

2. Social media, I think, could inspire others to help only if they can make a show of it -- post about it, create videos about it. Giving help isn't necessarily entirely generous. We then become part of an equation -- others help as long they get something out of it. That's difficult for us, too, because we can feel used.

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I think for me, there is guilt associated with asking for help. Specifically, I think to myself: "you're being dramatic. It isn't that bad. You can do this all on your own." My brothers are supposed to be my helpers (our quite elderly parents live with my husband and me), and sometimes I feel guilty pulling them away from their own families (grown children, grandchildren) to ask for help.

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