NO SHAME IN ASKING.
Nobody should feel stupid, weak or embarrassed for asking for help.
Not knowing is human. Asking is how we move forward.
Why this mattersThe problem
We've all done it.
Pretended we understood.
Nodded instead of asking someone to explain it again.
Put off asking for help because we thought we should already know.
Stayed quiet because we didn't want to look stupid, difficult or weak.
Sometimes that embarrassment costs us five minutes.
Sometimes it costs us far more.
There is no shame in asking.
Say it plainly
Some questions should not feel hard to say.
I don't understand this.
No shame in asking.Can you show me again?
No shame in asking.I think I've made a mistake.
No shame in asking.I need some help.
No shame in asking.I can't afford that.
No shame in asking.I'm not coping.
No shame in asking.I don't know what to do next.
No shame in asking.What we believe
Asking is not failure.
Asking does not make you stupid.
Needing something explained twice does not make you difficult.
Admitting you are struggling does not make you weak.
Saying "I don't know" is not failure.
Sometimes the bravest and most sensible thing you can do is ask.
There is no shame in asking.
No Shame in Asking places
A sign that questions are welcome here.
A No Shame in Asking place makes a simple promise.
- Questions are welcome here.
- You won't be made to feel stupid for not knowing.
- You can ask us to explain something again.
That's it. No accreditation. No complicated scheme. Just a visible promise to make asking a little easier.
Businesses, community organisations, libraries, schools and other places can display one of the free printable window stickers to make that promise visible.
Places so far
Friendly computer repair and tech support in Marple & Stockport — the first business signed up as a No Shame in Asking place. Fitting, really: the idea grew partly from conversations there.
Displaying the sign somewhere? Tell us and we'll add your place here.
We're a
NO SHAMEIN ASKING.
place
You won't be made to feel stupid for asking.You do not need to register or ask permission to display the sign.
Prefer a ready-made sticker? Request a printed window sticker — free, posted to UK addresses, while the batch lasts.
Support the idea
If this makes sense to you, say so.
Share the phrase. Use it when someone apologises for asking. Join the early supporter list for occasional updates about new signs, participating places and ways to help.