You make a lot of good points. I also have a tendency to share the good with my friends while "shielding" them from my problems.
And the point you make with respect to your boys also strikes a chord with me. As a part of the adoption process as a single parent, you have to legally pick a guardian for your children as a part of the process in case something happens to you.
While I would never ask for help for myself - I did ask a good friend if they would be willing to be my backup. I needed to ask for help.
