So the phrase "let me worry about you" popped up in my head today. I can't explain why or how but I can say that I thought about it for quite some time. It's a rather interesting quote, don't you think?

If someone came up to you today - a mentor, a friend, or even a stranger - and said, "Tell me your problems. I may not be able to help you but I can worry for you," what would you think? Perhaps you would think they were crazy, for putting their noses where they don't belong. Or perhaps you would think they were sweet but would kindly reject the offer since it is your own problems to deal with.

But really, do we understand what that phrase means? When things go wrong in our lives we feel like we must take on the burden alone. It is our problem so we must handle it ourselves, not trouble others. And this is fairly true, to some extent. In our lives we must be the one who overcomes our problems. We have to be the one who jumps across the ledge or digs a tunnel through the mountain, it's true. But simply because we have to be the one who does it doesn't mean we should do it alone, isolated from the world. We can still jump across the gorge, with our family cheering for us on the other side. Or make our way through the mountains, with our friends holding flashlights to help us see. The fact is, in both scenarios other people are unnecessary in achieving the ultimate goal but does that mean that their presence doesn't help?

"Let me care about you, love you, and cheer you on," they say, "it may be a burden to you but it is no burden to me." When you love someone you want them to share their happiness and their pain. Because though you may not be able to save them, you can give them the support they need to save themselves.

Now I in no way claim that this is easy. It is difficult, to trust people to that extent. We are all insecure, in our own little ways, when it comes to relationships. How can we be sure that the other person really cares? What if they hurt us in the future? What will they think of me when I show them my dark side? Why should I tell them? Things are much simpler when we keep to ourselves. We know ourselves. Our thoughts, our emotions, and our minds are our own. There is no room for misinterpretation or miscommunication. But if life were so easy then we would have no need for social interaction; for family, for friends, for love.

I just want to note that this really isn't directed towards any particular person. It's just a thought I had amongst my days of thinking far too much. I must admit, I am guilty of much as well. There are many things I hold, bottled up inside. I find myself thinking. "I want to tell them but their life is much worse then mine. They have their own problems to deal with, I shaln't be bothersome." Perhaps it's because I'm scared. Scared that they will look at me and think how stupid I am for acting this way. Or perhaps what I am really scared of is seeing how sad of a person I've become. In reality I feel that it is not about how you feel about others but how you feel about yourself. If you yourself are ashamed of it, how can you expect others to accept it?

Maybe. Just maybe I've figured it out. I don't want you to worry about me but I want to worry for you. How is that fair? So maybe this is what to do. I will let you worry about me if you want to. But I won't pressure you. If you want me to worry about you, I am always here. If not, well I'm sure there is someone out there you trust enough to give them that job. But always know, I am here. Just as you are always there. We cannot solve each others problems, we cannot live each others lives, but we can always share stories.