Do you find it hard to help others sometimes?

Philippines
August 4, 2009 1:01am CST
Yesterday, I started the day a little late because I felt my chest heavy and my body sore. In fact I wasn't able to go to my partime work. I decided to really plan the remaining hours so that I can be productive as best I can. But I wasn't finished on a chore I planned to do when my sister called me and is asking me to go somewhere. I told her that the need is not urgent and I am not feeling well myself so can I just passed. I felt especially relieve to have said "no" because I'm not really good at it. Then after a few hours, another friend called with urgency that she needs my help, I really felt weak after saying that I will come to her in a few minutes... Scolding myself, I felt sorry because I feel that I really badly needed some rest. Still, I feel obliged to go and help. I wonder did I do the right thing? I was able to really help but then I overheard that if I'm not available they will call someone to do it instead. I felt really exhausted... I wonder if this kind of lifestyle will continue I might be drained before I knew it.
3 people like this
3 responses
stvasile
@stvasile (7306)
• Romania
4 Aug 09
I think you did the right thing. I also do my best to help the people around me, but sometimes I feel exploited. At times like that, when someone keeps on asking my help even for the simplest of things, keeping me from my own work, I really feel I don't want to help them any more...
1 person likes this
sid556
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
13 Oct 09
I know it is hard to say "NO" but unless it is an emergency then you really need to if you are not up to helping or you just don't feel like it. If you oblige to everyone who asks even when you don't want to then you will begin to feel resentful towards these people. That is never good. If you help when you really feel like then it will make you feel good about being able to help. The more you say "NO" to people the easier it gets. Most people don't get upset at all when someone tells them no. And also most people would rather you say no when you are not up to it or just do not want to rather than to put you out. I know I would. Don't feel bad for it. you did the right thing.
Patsie Hatley is Deceased
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Oct 09
hi beaushell you know that little word , that two letter word that means no I cannot do that this time.sorry. iT IS N O,,SAY IT OUT LOUD. I too have a hard time to say no to someone needing help when I myself do not feel at all well.but learned that sometimes the best thing we can do is to say no when we really cannot physically help someone. It is not wrong to take care of yourself as You cannot help others if you yourself get sick. So do take care of yourself.