Who always has time to listen, who can step in when needed, who is there.

I’m reading a short story by Frederick Backmann entitled, The answer is no. It’s about a man who chooses not to have friends, lives alone, gets meals and shopping delivered and tries not to engage with anybody. He likes his life and resists any interruption. I think it’s about to change though. Reading the story I found myself relating to the appeal of no interruptions, no unexpected visitors, no hassle.

But then I thought, what happens if we actually need help and we have pushed away anyone who could have helped? It is a precarious thing, wanting help but wanting independence as well. That also makes you pretty impossible to help. I know this all too well. .

So perhaps that answer needs to be yes, maybe. Not no all the time. Opening up yourself and your home might be complicated, messy and busy. But the opposite is straightforward, undisturbed and lonely. Which appeals to you? You could have an award-winning, picture perfect house but if no-one sees it then no-one will know. Where’s the joy in that?

You can’t complain about nobody contacting you if you don’t ask them. You can’t say ‘nobody cares’ if you don’t give them the opportunity. Peace and quiet is lovely. Sometimes. But it is always nice when there’s someone in the chair opposite to have a conversation with, don’t you agree?

I’m off to see if The Answer is No turns out the opposite in the end. Maybe a no becomes a yes and everyone is happy about that. Think about your life. Is there someone you know who would love a visit? Is there someone who would love to visit you?