Do you find being asked to help someone an imposition?

[Renouvelle]

Straw poll:

 

I am reading a book in which the author contends that people are generally more than willing to help each other out, particularly when it comes to helping others achieve their life goals.

 

I could be getting cynical about people, but this theory seems suspect to me. I'm not sure why, however. I tend to think that people in general feel imposed-upon and unwilling to help others. I'm trying to sort out what reason I have for thinking that way, because I don't feel imposed-upon when asked for help. It could be that people I've known have complained about such things and left me with the impression that they considered helping others to be burdensome.

 

Anyway, regardless of where I got my ideas, I'd like feedback on this, if you'd be so kind. Say you knew someone who wanted to embark on a new career and was looking for ideas and/or contacts to get started on this dream. Would you help out and if you would, would you do it gladly or find it an imposition?

[Tony]

I don't mind helping people but when I get the feeling that I am being taken advantage of or abused, I cut that person out of my life as quickly as possible. I just don't tolerate people who aren't appreciative of what I do for them.

[Thinkalot]

depends entirely on the person, my relationship with them and so on. Someone I like, respect, love etc...I'd happily help them out.

[honey2005]

I agree with Thinkalot. If it's someone I "like, respect, love, etc." I would be willing to help in a heartbeat and I'd be very glad to do it.

[guest]

i do not know why but i do have a very hard helping people out. i get most uncomfy when anyone wants my helpl and i do not even understand why myself i feel this way. not saying that i don't help them out just that i hate to be imposed upon while doing something else of seemingly irrelevance, it just bothers me. maybe it produces feelings of failure and anxiety.