When asking for Backup feels Bigger than it should

The other day, I went to chat with Bec, one of my team managers, about some work things.
Nothing unusual.
Just a normal catch-up.

When I walked into her office, I noticed her desk was covered with calendars, rosters, and a handful of highlighters.
It looked like she was deep in logistics — and, as any parent knows, it’s not a easy task.

After we finished talking about work, she paused, looked at the calendar in front of her, and said, a bit awkwardly:

"I’m sorry to even ask... but if childcare falls through, would you be able to mind my three-year-old on Monday?"

She explained what was happening:
Her husband’s work had changed — no more hybrid days —
and her own roster didn’t leave much room to move.
Childcare was uncertain because of the long weekend, and she needed a backup just in case.

She was really clear that she felt awkward asking.
It was my day off.
My kids were at school.
And she added the line so many of us fall back on when we're feeling uncomfortable:

"I’m sure you have better things to do."

And the funny thing was —
I actually owe Bec.
Last year when my family travelled around Australia, she minded our dog for six months.
Without hesitation.
Without making it feel like a burden.

And even with that history between us, even knowing we had both been there for each other before, she still felt strange about asking for something small.

We actually ended up debriefing it later that week —
laughing about how awkward it had felt,
and spending about 45 minutes unpacking why asking for backup feels so weird even when it shouldn't.

Moments like that remind me exactly why I’m building Villagey.

Because real community isn't about solving every crisis.
It’s about making backup plans and little offers feel easy again.
It’s about creating a space where asking , even for something simple, doesn’t feel like a disruption.

Villagey isn’t about creating a roster of favours.
It’s about building everyday trust — the kind where small offers and small asks are just part of the background of life.

Because if we can make help feel normal again,
then maybe we don’t have to overthink it so much.

Maybe we just say,

"Of course. If you need, let me know."

And mean it.

That’s how we start bringing back the village —
one small offer at a time.