"I just want to clear on what you need from me"
 
Nothing, nothing, see, you’ve missed the point. I can never ask you or anybody for anything because I have to be strong strong strong and carry on. I have to deal with this sadness and this terror myself. I’m sorry that I sometimes feel this urgent need to reach out, but I realize the busy life you live and the little time you have and really, what could you ever get out of an emotionally crippled idiot like me?

I appreciate the gesture, dear, but let’s just move on.