When I was first diagnosed I explained to my friends and family, especially my husband, that I wanted to remain independent. I would not ask for help unless I needed it and if I asked for it, they should give it without questioning my need. Just because I could do something at one point in time didn't mean I could or couldn't do it the next. This trust arrangement has worked very well for the past five years. With strangers I just say "thanks" if I don't have time to explain how they could really help.