She Can Handle It…But Should She Have To?
You know that woman everybody calls when something needs to get done? At work, she can solve the problem. At home, she remembers what everybody needs. When a friend is going through something, she makes time to listen. And when somebody asks how she’s doing, she says, “I’m good. I got it.”
Maybe you’re that woman. Maybe you know her.
In this episode of Corporate Classy but Please Come Correct, I wanted to sit with a question: Just because she can handle it, should she always have to? Being trusted feels good. Being capable feels good. But somewhere along the way, people can get so used to you showing up that they forget to check what it’s costing you.
I asked a few questions on the podcast that stayed with me: Do people value me, or do they value how much I can carry for them? Do I struggle to ask for help? And would I still feel valuable if I stopped being the one who fixes everything?
That last one made me pause, because this conversation goes both ways. Sometimes we need people to step up. And sometimes we need to be honest about how often we say “I got it,” even when we’re running on empty. I know how easy it is to take over because it feels faster than explaining what you need. Then you’re exhausted and wondering why nobody offered to help.
And if you’re a man listening, this conversation is for you too. The woman in your life may be great at handling things, but that doesn’t mean she never wants someone to notice, ask, and follow through. Support doesn’t always need to be a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s taking something off her plate without waiting for her to reach her breaking point.
We also talk about self-care. I love a vacation or a quiet day as much as anybody, but I’ve been thinking about the everyday choices too: speaking up before you’re overwhelmed, letting someone else do their part, and resting without feeling like you have to earn it.
So take a minute and ask yourself: What am I carrying simply because I’ve always carried it? And if someone came to mind while you were reading this, maybe check on her. Ask how she’s doing and make room for the real answer.
Listen to “She Can Handle It…But Should She Have To?” on Corporate Classy but Please Come Correct Podcast.
