Women's Health

"I Hate Asking for Help"

Excuse #5 “I Was Raised to Be Self-Sufficient” continued...

And what of Kathleen Hornstein? Today, she usually doesn’t hesitate to request the assistance she needs either, whether it’s sending her husband grocery shopping, tapping her daughter to fold laundry, or asking a neighbor to babysit her 4-year-old twins. The result: She’s more relaxed and less frazzled. Better yet, Hornstein says, is seeing the positive impact her requests have had. “My kids are learning responsibility and getting a feeling of accomplishment when they do small chores. And from carpooling, I’ve gotten to know other moms and deepened some existing friendships. I had to learn to ask for help, but now, I can’t imagine living my life any other way.”

Originally published on February 1, 2008

Related content on goodhousekeeping.com

• Stress Buster of the Week
• Jealousy Quiz
• More Articles on Emotional Wellness
• Are You Too Sensitive?
• Telling Yourself Big Fat Lies