I'm here to help

 Last weekend I helped my mom and dad sign up for "that Facebook thing."  Now, my folks are not out of touch with modern tech, but this was to be their first foray into the wild world of social media.  Knowing this, I knew one other thing as well...they would also need some help after the fact.  As expected, my phone rang last evening, a couple days after the initial launch.  Lacking the unique skill set that would have me employed as phone support for Apple, I jumped in the car and within minutes was walking my dad through the finer points of liking, linking and lurking.

 What struck me as I was making my triumphant exit from their computer room was how apologetic they were about me having to come over to guide them through a couple cyber snags.  I laughingly brushed their comments aside by saying that I not only didn't mind , but was quite sure it wouldn't be the last such tech support visit.  By the time my two minute drive home was complete, my laughter had turned misty as I thought of how much some people would give just to be able to experience such an errand.

  So I've been wondering, what is it that makes us reticent to ask for help, or sometimes uncomfortable receiving it?  I think there are various reasons that can differ from one individual to another.  It can be pride, a need to feel or appear self-sufficient, or a stubborn independent streak that can be traced back to early childhood.  None of these tendencies are of themselves negative or hurtful, but I think a reminder is in order here.  It feels good to be helpful.

 When I receive help from you I'm also giving you an opportunity to feel needed.  I know I always feel an emotional boost after being of some assistance to another, whether it be a close friend, coworker, or stranger in need of directions.  As I've heard it said many times, "Reach out, for the life you save may be your own."  That's just another way of saying that I always benefit when I'm helping someone else.  So LET ME!  Really, it's ok.  Just think of it as a win - win proposition.  You get help, I feel helpful.

 I'm actually looking forward to my next trip over to mom and dad's to clear up some social media stumper.  After all, not only is it a reason to visit, but it's the only place on earth I get to feel like a computer expert.