What would you take this to mean?

[fakeaccentuniversity]

Struggling with horrendous circumstances in family at the moment - very complex mess .

I’m getting a lot of support and spent most of yesterday with someone really lovely who’s been helping me a lot the last couple of months (employed to do so) .

My trouble is I’m really crap at negotiating relationships and things, tend to form very strong attachments to people who are nice to me very quickly (there are reasons, but it would need another thread really) . If someone’s nice to me I’d happily spend 24/7 with them iyswim - but then struggle to form friendships with my peers. Very confusing situation to be in .

Anyway … spent day with this person yesterday and texted them late in the evening saying how much I valued their support etc .

She texted back saying she’s really glad, but to remember I have lots of other people around me too who care/want to help .

What does that mean do you think? I’m prone to over analysing which isn’t helping, but not sure what to take from what she texted?

I would say they are gently reminding you that you have a support network around you who can help. They are doing a job and they may like you and enjoy helping but I would stick to contacting them within working hours.

It isn’t good to become over-reliant on one person. They may have other people they are helping as part of their job, they may be sick or get a new job.

I think its exactly what she says, she's happy you are valuing her support, but she's not the only one around you?

I think they're gently trying to point out not to rely solely on them.

It's a gentle reminder that it's her job to help you but you need to get support from your family and friends too x
She trying to keep a
Professional distance by leading you to unscheduled support x

Thank you, that’s what I thought - makes a lot of sense. Yes to contacting during work hours, it’s difficult to know where the line is as we do talk on phone in evenings at times but I think I need to try and remember it’s not a friendship as such, or at least that she won’t be seeing it that way .

Very difficult (and embarrassing in some ways) . Thanks though, that’s pretty much what I had thought that she’s trying to guide away from being over-reliant on her .

This, they aren't able to become the sole focus for solving your problems

They've done it nice and politely I seems

She has yes, she’s said it in a lovely way . When I say embarrassing it’s more me/my issues, she would be more than lovely and fully understanding thankfully.

So it’s not something I should be feeling bad about then? (Can you tell I’m overthinking this!)

I don't think you should feel bad about this. She has told you very gently and politely that you do have a good support network. It is probably simply a gentle nudge to remind you of that. It doesn't sound like you have done anything to feel bad about.

I hope things improve for you soon and it sounds like you are lucky to have such a kind and supportive person helping you.

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense . I’ve had a lot of losses (grief and in other ways) and think I’m clinging onto her as she’s so kind . Will try to scale back texting etc unless it’s working hours !

She's asking you to lean on her less.