I was surprised at first but when I thought about it some more it made sense 😄 
Thank you! This was helpful, and I added context to the post as well. This is indeed help from friends. I'll have to try thinking of it as a favor and see what that does to how likely I am to ask!
This is amazing, thank you! I particularly appreciated this quote:
people want to help, but they can’t help if they don’t know someone is suffering or struggling, or what the other person needs and how to help effectively, or whether it is their place to help – perhaps they want to respect others’ privacy or agency. A direct request can remove those uncertainties, such that asking for help enables kindness and unlocks opportunities for positive social connections. It can also create emotional closeness when you realize someone trusts you enough to share their vulnerabilities, and by working together toward a shared goal.
It's hard to keep this in mind, I think. I think I face too much fear of rejection and that stops me from taking an action like this that could ultimately do the exact opposite. Fascinating!
I feel like I give help easily but I don't feel ok asking. How do you become ok with asking for help? I have no idea what conversations that include this even sound like. In my mind I come across as begging and losing connection with the person or people I ask. How can I think about this differently?
Edit: a little more context, although this applies generally I think. I recently got surgery. I have enough help at home to get by, but it would be nice I suppose if a friend wanted to help out in some way too while I recover. I'm not exactly sure what kind of help that would entail, maybe cleaning or cooking or even just visiting. But I struggle with asking for help in even "normal" circumstances, like moving, or a major project, or even just emotional support.
Yeahhhh I get the joke but I wish the meme didn't do it in a racist way. Why is the TCP baby white and the UDP baby not?