Support Isn’t Silent: Why True Community Speaks Up
- Behind Her Brand
- Apr 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
Have you ever had someone reach out to you for support—whether it’s for a business, an event, a fundraiser, or even just to celebrate a milestone—only to feel a little uneasy because you know deep down you can’t recall a time when they showed up for you?
Or worse…
Have you ever extended your hand, asked for support, and heard nothing but crickets in response? Not even a “Congrats!” or “I’ll see what I can do.” Just silence.
Let’s be real: That doesn’t feel great.
It stings when you put yourself out there, ask for help, or invite people into your journey, and the people you thought would support you just… don’t. Even a simple response—whether it’s a “Yes, I’m in!” or “I can’t this time, but I’m cheering you on!”—goes a long way in fostering real connections.
This is where the concept of true support comes in. Because support isn’t just about showing up when it’s convenient. It’s about being invested in each other, even in small ways.
Support Is a Two-Way Street
True support isn’t transactional. It’s not “I’ll scratch your back only if you scratch mine.” But it is about mutual respect and genuine connection. When you consistently show up for others, it’s natural to hope they’ll extend that same energy when you need it.
Now, does this mean you’re keeping score? No. But it does mean that relationships—whether personal or professional—thrive on reciprocity. Think about the people who always share your posts, show up to your events, or simply acknowledge your wins. These people are pouring into your cup. The least we can do is pour back into theirs. And when we don’t, or worse, when we ignore their asks completely, we risk breaking the trust in that connection.
Example: The Business Owner vs. The Silent Friends
Imagine you’ve started a small business. You post about it excitedly, hoping your network will celebrate with you. You even reach out personally to friends and family, asking them to share your page, leave a review, or just spread the word.
Some people respond enthusiastically—“Yes! I’ll share right now!” or “Let me check out your products!” But others? Silence. You see them active on social media, engaging with other posts, but they don’t acknowledge yours.
Now, let’s flip the scenario. That same silent friend reaches out to you six months later, asking you to buy from their business or donate to their cause. How does that feel? It’s not about being petty. It’s about recognizing that support should be mutual and that one-sided relationships rarely last.
Silence Speaks Volumes
Not responding at all? That hurts.
Let’s be honest—life gets busy. We’re all juggling a million things. But if someone takes the time to reach out to you, invite you to something, or ask for support, it doesn’t take much to acknowledge them. A simple “Thanks for thinking of me” or “I won’t be able to, but I appreciate you” can go a long way in keeping that relationship intact.
Because when you ignore someone’s request completely, it sends a message—intentional or not. And that message often sounds like:
❌ I don’t care enough to respond.
❌ Your efforts aren’t important to me.
❌ I only show up when it benefits me.
Example: The Friend Who Never Shows Up
Let’s say you’re hosting a book launch or a networking event. You send invitations to people who have been in your circle for years. Some respond immediately, excited for you. Others say they can’t make it but wish you well.
Then, there are those who say nothing at all. They don’t respond. They don’t even acknowledge your message. Weeks later, they act like nothing happened. Now imagine this same friend invites you to their event the following month. How do you feel? Probably a little hesitant, right? It’s not about keeping score, but about recognizing who values you enough to at least respond when you reach out.
The Difference Between Passive and Active Support
It’s easy to think that just because we’re not actively sabotaging someone’s success, we’re being supportive. But passive support and active support are two very different things.
Passive Support:
Watching someone’s progress but never engaging.
Thinking “That’s great!” but not actually telling them.
Meaning to support them… eventually.
Expecting them to just know you care without expressing it.
Active Support:
Engaging with their content, sharing their work, or showing up for their events.
Offering words of encouragement.
Supporting their business, project, or mission when possible.
Responding when they reach out—even if it’s just to say you can’t help this time.
Example: The Author Who Needed Reviews
A woman writes her first book, excited to share it with the world. She reaches out to her network, asking people to leave reviews or share the book if they enjoyed it. Some friends do. Others say nothing.
Months later, one of the silent friends launches a project and asks her to help promote it. How do you think she feels? Probably a little reluctant. Not because she’s keeping score, but because support should be a two-way exchange.
The Power of True Community
So, what does true support look like? It’s about more than just showing up—it’s about being present, engaged, and invested in the people around you. True community is built on these principles:
✅ Consistency – Showing up, not just once, but regularly. Sharing a friend’s post, checking in on their new venture, supporting their event when possible.
✅ Reciprocity – Not in a tit-for-tat way, but in a natural, mutual exchange of energy. A thriving community supports one another without hesitation.
✅ Acknowledgment – Even if you can’t give money, time, or resources, simply recognizing someone’s efforts means a lot. A like, a comment, a word of encouragement—it all adds up.
✅ Honesty – If you can’t show up, say so. If you don’t have the funds to support financially, share their work instead. People respect honesty far more than ghosting.
Example: The Friend Who Always Acknowledges
We all know someone who always supports—even if they can’t physically be there. They comment, share, encourage, and uplift. They may not have all the resources in the world, but they make sure you feel seen.
That’s the kind of energy we need more of.
Let’s Do Better
The truth is, we all want to feel valued, heard, and supported. And that starts with each of us being intentional about how we show up for the people in our circles.
So, the next time someone reaches out asking for support, even if you can’t participate, don’t ignore them. Respond. Encourage. Celebrate. Because in a world where so many people feel unseen, sometimes acknowledgment is the most powerful form of support we can give.
And trust me—it matters.
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We rise better together.
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