I don’t like to ask for help. Ever.

I like to think of myself as self-sufficient, responsible and in control. But when I was blindsided with a layoff two months ago, I realized that I would need to ask for help. A lot. From many people. On a regular basis. This wasn’t going to be easy.

When I told friends and family about my layoff, I was relieved when they offered their assistance without my having to ask for it. Their generosity and concern genuinely made me feel better, and I am incredibly thankful to them. But I knew my period of unemployment would most likely be a long haul and I would have to go back to them, asking them for assistance with my job search, with emotional support, and maybe, if things got really dark, with financial assistance.

I have had to swallow my pride time and time again since January, and I don’t see it letting up any time soon. So now, I would like to take the time to thank all those who have helped me over these last few months.

Thanks to the friend who has taken my phone calls time and time again and listened to me with the utmost patience and understanding.

Thanks to the friend who has provided me with several home-cooked meals and a trip to one of my favorite restaurants, free of charge.

Thanks to the friend who brought over a delicious Greek meal two days after I got laid off and sat with me, talking and drinking red wine.

Thanks to the friend who somehow needed an assistant on a recent project and thought of me.

Thanks to the childhood friend who has regularly reminded me of my strengths and abilities, including a strange aptitude for spelling.

Thanks to the friend who treated me to a trip to the Met to take my mind off things for an afternoon.

Thanks to the friend who emails me from California, regaling me with tales that make me laugh.

Thanks to the former co-worker, who has given me leads, job-hunting ideas and support.

Thanks to an ex-boyfriend, who shows his support and love even though we are no longer together.

Thanks to my sister-in-law, who calls me on a regular basis to see how I’m doing and bakes tasty treats when I visit. I realize that I am lucky to have so many people cheering for me.

Thanks, guys. And please continue to take my phone calls.

-By Lesley Pink, an editor and writer who has worked in marketing, financial journalism, and immigration law.

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