Independence

A topic that has been coming up in a few conversations that I've had recently, is independence. Is our independence taken away when we ask for help, or if we don't ask for help? Does the able-bodied community perceive us as weak if we ask for help? These are the types of questions that I have encountered.  

I consider myself to be very independent as a whole.  I can take care of myself, but there are things that I need help with from time to time.   Am I not independent when I ask someone for a ride instead of taking the bus, or when I ask someone to help me push up a steep hill?  I guess you can say that my independence was taken away by choice.

Some people I have spoken to argue that independence is taken away when they don't ask for help and people insist on helping them anyway.  I understand this side of the argument, because there were times when I wanted to push myself and I kept getting pushed.  I didn't chose to let someone push me.

Personally, I don't think it is a sign of weakness if I ask for help when I really need it and I am not afraid to ask for it. It's not like I am being lazy and taking advantage.  I like when people go out of their way and ask to help me because it shows that people care. Everyone needs help at some point. 

Finally, I find it interesting when I see people who try to assert their independence, but they are clearly struggling and they won't ask for help. I saw that a lot when I watched the first season of Push Girls.  To me, it comes off a bit arrogant. I don't know. To each their own.

 What is everyone's take on this topic?