Don't Be Afraid of Saying Yes

So during an interview the other day, my partner offered a candidate a cup of tea and the candidate accepted. It's funny but seeing something this simple was kind of shocking to me. I guess the problem is, I'm in a mindset where I don't like to cause work for other people. I'd rather turn down their offer of something I want, than impose upon them in the slightest.

It's reminiscent of a book I read, "15 Minutes in Heaven" or something along those lines. In the book, the narrator talked about how he got in a devastating car accident and was completely crippled in the hospital. Despite being a person who devoted his life to helping others and seeking to serve them, the man was incapable of accepting other peoples invitations to do friendly gestures for him and to allow them to help himself. When someone would offer him a book or a drink or anything, he would immediately turn them down.

Finally, a visiting friend looked at the man and said "Listen, these people are offering their help to you because they want to help you. You are being selfish by refusing their help and by believing you can do everything on your own."

It's funny because he was being selfish by not imposing on others. But it's something we all need to recognize. We're so cautious about making others do stuff for us, that we keep them out of our lives and reject their invitations to do things, even when we want to do them. How many times has someone offered you something that you've rejected without even considering it?

It's okay to ask others for stuff, and it's okay to accept offers from others. Open up a little, and have a drink.

Martin Fister is an active product blogger, writing for web sites including 26" lcd tv and linksys wireless routers. In his spare time, Martin also pursues his interests in the music industry as a journalist.