Dear World,
Please don’t say “I’m here if you ever need anything,” unless you completely and wholeheartedly mean it.
This past year that was a phrase I heard almost every week. At first, it was comforting, even flattering sometimes. But it began to come from acquaintances and sometimes even people who were practically strangers. There were people who kept that promise and continue to every day. But a vast majority of these people were silently hoping I would never ask for help.
When you say this you are making a commitment to someone, but for so many saying it is simply used as a conversation filler. There are so many other things to say: “You’re in my thoughts,” “I hope all goes well,” but offering help when you don’t mean it is quite shallow.
Don’t get me wrong, I know there are a lot of good people who don’t know me who would go out of their way to help me. I am speaking from personal experience that sometimes when people see you in need, they don’t always know what to do and turn away. Reaching out for help and being met by this reaction makes it so much harder to reach out again. There is a feeling of rejection on top of whatever else was already wrong.
Therefore, if you ever tell someone, “I’m here if you ever need anything,” please keep your promise. You are telling them that you are available and more than willing to help without hesitation. This is a tremendous promise to make for someone, and it is incredible to know that someone would do this for you.
For the love of all that is good in the world, please stop saying it if you don’t plan on following through.
