I had the same thing feels so underlying and self deafening and vulnerable to tell them that I am in need of their help or something. Felt so low that I couldn't even muster courage to ask them for any referral or help and neither did they enquire
It's okay when I reach out to people who are strangers or with whom I have worked professionally. But reaching out to my seniors and friends for referrals feels so bad - primarily because I feel like I am trying to gain something out of them. It's like I am ruining the bond we have.
Is it okay?