Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a loop—asking for help again and again, but somehow ending up right back where you started?

Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there lived a young student who was eager to learn.

Every day, he went to class, listened carefully, and brought home his assignments. Most days, he managed just fine on his own.

But every week, like clockwork, he’d hit a problem he couldn’t solve.

Luckily, he had not one, but two tutors at home who had promised:

“Whenever you need help, we’ll be there to support you.”

So one evening, the student approached Tutor #1 and said:

Student: “Tutor, can you help me with my assignment? It’s due tomorrow.”

Tutor #1: “Please be quiet—I’m trying to watch my favorite show.”

So the student waited patiently until the show ended.

Student: “The show’s finished. How about now?”

Tutor #1: “Why don’t you help me make yogurt pies first? We can have them for dessert, and then we’ll do your homework afterward.”

So the student helped make yogurt pies. But after the pies were done…

Student: “Now can we do my homework?”

Tutor #1: “Ah… you should ask Tutor #2. They’re much better at this.”

Student: “But Tutor #2 is resting before work.”

Tutor #1: “Well, I don’t know what to tell you!”

So the student tiptoed into the other room and gently woke Tutor #2.

Tutor #2 (half-asleep): “What!? I’m trying to sleep before my shift. I’ve got two jobs. Ask Tutor #1.”

Back the student went.

Student: “Tutor #2 is busy.”

Tutor #1: “Then ask your teacher.”

So the next day, the student went to class empty-handed and confessed:

Student: “Teacher, I couldn’t finish my homework. My tutor said I should ask you.”

Teacher (sighing): “It’s called homework for a reason. Your tutors are supposed to help you.”

Nearby, a classmate overheard.

Student 2: “It’s not that hard. Just ask your tutors for help. Stop making excuses. Take responsibility.”

The class laughed.

Student 3: “Yeah—and my dog ate my homework!”

They laughed again.

Later that day, the teacher took pity on the student.

Student: “How about one more day? I’ll ask again tonight.”

Teacher (sighing): “Fine. Don’t let it happen again.”

That evening, the student gathered his courage and spoke firmly:

Student: “I’ve talked with my teacher. They said you’re supposed to be my tutor. Will you help me learn?”

Tutor #1: “I don’t believe they said that. They are the teacher. They teach. You’re lying. You shouldn’t lie.”

Student: “I’m telling you exactly what happened!”

Tutor: “Go to your room. Learn your lesson. You shouldn’t lie. You can come back when you’re ready to apologize”

The Lesson

For most people, the lesson might be simple:

Survive. Keep your mouth shut. Don’t stir the waters.

But for the Pisces—the hopeless romantic who loves unconditionally, often sacrificing for loved ones, the lesson becomes far more dangerous:

You sacrifice yourself every day, piece by piece.

You apologize anyway. To earn being seen. To earn being heard. To be earn being loved.

So… what should the student have done?

• Keep running around in circles?
• Demand his tutors’ help?
• Try to figure it out alone?

We’ve all…some have been there. Whether in school, at work, or in life, we sometimes seek help from those who promised to be there—only to find them too busy, distracted, or unwilling.

Sometimes the help we’re waiting for just isn’t coming.

And sometimes, the only way forward is to find another path, or become our own tutor.

Reflective Questions

• Have you ever found yourself stuck in a similar loop, asking for help but getting nowhere?
• When you need help, who do you usually turn to—and how reliable are they?
• Are there situations in your life where you keep going in circles instead of finding another way?
• What’s one area right now where you might need to “become your own tutor”?
• How could you communicate your needs more clearly when asking for help?
• What backup plans could you put in place so you don’t get stuck waiting on others?

The student’s story might seem funny—or frustrating—but it’s also real life.

So next time you’re caught in your own endless loop, remember:

Sometimes you have to stop waiting for someone else to show up… and show up for yourself.