She was wrong. Life is so much more joyful when you bring others into your circle and accept even the smallest offers of help, and the kindness of others. I could not have survived many tough times in my life had it not been for friends. None of us is a cold, self-sustaining, island. We are all members of the Tribe of Man.
Man is, by the nature of creation, a social animal.
Try asking, and accepting just a little. It will get easier and easier. Perhaps the opportunity may never present itself to repay a kindness directly, but someday, someone will cross your path who is in need. You will act, remembering how much it meant to you to accept with gratitude an act of humanity that had no strings or conditions attached to the other end. It doesn't hurt honest.