I’m going through an insanely rough patch in my life and most of the people in my circle know that. I’m not typically one to proactively reach out asking for support (I don’t want to seem like a burden), but I really appreciate people checking in on me during this time in my life.
I’m not saying this goes for every relationship in my life, but I’ve noticed a lot of my friends and loved ones have stopped asking me how I’m doing altogether. I try engaging in small talk, like asking them “how’ve you been?” or “what have you been up to?” or “how’s your day going?” hoping they will ask me too, giving me a chance to open up a bit when it’s appropriate. But lot of the times people answer the question but do not even attempt to return it to me. There’s been a lot of awkward silence in the time they finish their answer and are (in my opinion) supposed to ask me “and what about you?”
I know it’s not some huge conspiracy between all of my friends and loved ones. But i can’t help but notice how often this exact scenario has played out over the past couple months. The last thing i want to do is make people uncomfortable by telling them I’m not actually fine. I just wish sometimes people would think of me as someone to check in on, especially since I try my very best to do that for others.
I know the obvious answer is to be proactive and to reach out to people for support when I need it. But is there something else I’m missing here? Should I be more assertive and honest about my situation, hoping that it will get people to care more? I’d appreciate any insight on this topic. Thank you in advance.