“Don’t be ashamed of needing help. You have a duty to fulfil just like a soldier on the wall of battle. So what if you are injured and can’t climb up without another soldier’s help?” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

We all have our limitations. Some things can be improved upon by ourselves: we can train to become physically and mentally stronger and more flexible. Sometimes the challenge we face is greater than our ability to overcome it at that moment.

You have a choice: do you lose momentum and risk the progress you have made so far, or do you swallow your pride and risk potential (but unlikely) humiliation by asking for help? When lost in a strange town, do you wander around in circles, determined to find your way alone, or do you ask for directions? The same applies to misunderstanding. When confused or uncertain of another’s opinion, ask for their help in understanding them better. Who is likely to say ‘no’ to that request?