The next time you see someone struggling but not asking for help when they so clearly need it, maybe try not assuming that they are just being stubborn.

This may be a foreign concept, but maybe instead take a moment and consider this...

How many times have they reached out
only to have no one reach back?

How many times have they sought aid
only to have something expected in return?

How many times have they asked for help
only to be made to feel stupid for asking?

How many times have they spoken up
only to be lectured on how they are doing it all wrong?

How many times instead of feeling cared for or important
they have they been made to feel dumb, incompetent, ignorant, or less than?

So now they try alone, struggle alone, and fail or succeeded alone and in silence.

So the next time maybe don't assume they are being stubborn.

Maybe, just maybe, see past the brave face they show and see the loss of faith, trust, and hope in anyone other than themselves.

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