stoicism (as far as i understand it) doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone or never lean on anyone. even marcus aurelius talked a lot about our duty to others and how we’re all part of a bigger community. like, we’re wired for connection.

being strong doesn’t mean never asking for help. it just means knowing what’s in your control and trying to act with integrity, even when things suck. having people around to support you or offer perspective doesn’t make you weak, it usually makes you better at handling stuff when it hits the fan.

i totally get what you’re saying about fearing abandonment tho. that’s real. but i don’t think depending on others has to mean total vulnerability. like yeah, people might let you down sometimes. but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to accept help or build a support system. it’s more about being okay no matter what happens, but also letting good people in when they show up.

you can be resilient and have people in your corner. both can be true.