What took you so long to reach out for help? (I’m still the same guy)

Reeves Point of View: What took you so long to reach out for help (I’m still the same geeky guy!)

I’m a geek. I’m a nerd. I’m socially awkward. I’m loud. I’m all those things.

For the people who knew me in my high school and college days, I’m that guy you took a deep breath when you saw me coming. I’m the guy who tries to be cool yet fails miserably. I’m obnoxious. My timing is horrible. And I can have a full blown conversation by myself.

But I take pride in being a good friend. I try to be there for the ones I care about whenever they need me. So, if you can get past all of my geekiness, you have a good ally in me.

But something weird has happened over the years. I became ‘unapproachable’.

When did it happen? Right after I became an attorney and then when I opened my own practice and then when I got appointed.

For whatever reason, the same people who remember me when I would wear sweats religiously or constantly go to McDonalds or who was so loud they could leave the area before I got there, are now hesitant to reach out to me for help.

Now, don’t get me wrong, at some point, they will reach out but the conversation almost always starts with “I didn’t want to bother you”, “I know you do this for a living”, or “I know you got other things to do”.

HUH?? Dude (and Dudettes)!!! You fed me when I was living off of cereal. You listened to be rant and rave about whatever stupid thing I was stressing over. We went to the clubs together. So why are you NOW getting all sensitive?

And we are talking about me! Mr. GOOFY! What is the problem?? Lol.

For whatever reason, it’s this impression that even though I am an attorney and work in the legal arena that they don’t want to disrespect me or waste my time or being a bother. As such, there have been countless times I have had my peeps reach out to me when things have gotten a little out of hand.

I have said it a thousand times. I am still the same guy and we can always be straight with each other. But I don’t want you to ever think that my degree or my profession changes who I am.

And for those of you who have friends in similar situations, don’t make the decision for them by choosing NOT reach out to them because you think you are a bother. They love you and they will be MORE annoyed that you waited so long to reach out for help.

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