At any time I am one of two people:
A. Someone who initiates
B. Someone who expects someone else to initiate.
The first is active, the second is passive. The verb in the first is to initiate. The verb in the second is to expect. I am always deciding if I will be the the initiator or the expector.
Being on the other side of initiative is energizing, life-giving, and helpful. Being on the other side of expectation is exhausting. Expectation is a confusing burden.
It is rarely prudent to wait for someone else to lead. And while yes, initiative is tiring, it’s tiring for everybody.
Pick up the phone. Start the conversation. Assume initiative will help, and you can do it.
Creative work, deep friendship, passionate marriages, healthy lives all begin by deciding not to expect someone else to take the first step.