So in Skyrim you make friends or become the thane of a certain area and you get friends/housecarls that would be willing to accompany you on your adventures. I, however, never do this, because I feel kind of bad. Think about it: combat is a dangerous scenario in which the people engaging in it can be severely hurt or killed. Now, would you really bring a friend or someone you cared about and knowingly put them into this sort of a situation? I would not, so when I'm playing seriously and immersed, I just naturally find it hard to ask followers to come with me on important or dangerous tasks. It's like, "Hey Lydia! We're good friends (possibly even spouses)! Come with me while I expose you to vampires and let them turn you into one and let werewolves bite you and bandits chop your limbs off!"

Anyone else feel this way?

They get in the way for me and always ruin a good sneak attack.

I never used to take followers until I learned which ones are essential and thus can never die. I would honestly feel bad if I got someone killed, but on the other hand I would be content with the knowledge that they died bravely in battle and, according to my character's Nord standards, thus met a worthy end.

But no, never used to take followers until I got Dawnguard, and now with Mjoll.

I don't bring followers because I like to sneak, which is a concept they've apparently only heard about from a drunk rhinoceros, and I'd rather not have to wait 20 minutes for them to catch up to me because the pathfinding is terrible.

But regarding you're asking, most followers are already warriors: Mercenaries, Housecarls, Companions, etc, so I don't think it's out of the question to ask them to come with you from time to time.

Also, if I'm an adventurer, it makes sense that a lot of my friends are adventurers too (or at least want to be). And I'd rather bring them along and have companionship than look them in the eye and say "Sorry, but I can't have you come with me. This is important." Or insult their skill by suggesting they can't look after themselves.

Yeah, when I want to sneak and/or practice archery, the wifey stays home. Mjoll can also be a real kill-hog and daddy don't get no experience when the little lady takes his kills before he does.

See, my opinion is that Skyrim is a hard enough place that people will naturally group together to even the odds. That's why I don't feel bad asking someone (usually a warrior already) to come join me in my adventures. My one exception is my spouse, who is almost always a merchant type and doesn't do well in combat in the first place. Then I try to surround them with people who are good at fighting. This is true for my Hearthfire houses.

Housecarls are sworn to protect you and carry your burdens.

Lydia, on the other hand... She just normally gets in your way and ruins your sneak attacks.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMIHouIQlg_QRPj1JFEFdbqnYoMCyJWcxniaXNqMULqSMo52VQ

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTs4R1b7IYJDv5mKoxu1JFjLCBxfqPUELq7EbxaPng_EYVw7pQJ5A

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTU73jhYorhcNCPkbHNPTsC476EiohvTF2O4DEifAK23Jsajtm-4Q

To answer your concern OP consider this.

Your Housecarl is sworn to YOUR service to protect YOUR LIFE and property. This is their job and their calling. By leaving them at home you are essentially ignoring their life's task and taking your own life in your hands. It is the job of a Housecarl to stay by your side and protect you with their shield and their sword (Or whatever).

If you have more than one obviously you can't take them all with you.

That doesn't mean you can't go it alone but this should provide impetus if you truly would like to take a follower. Also it is true that housecarls are essential and can not die UNLESS you yourself kill them and it can happen during combat, I've always reverted to an earlier save to avoid this but that's just me.

Be aware though that NOT ALL followers are essential and can be killed by enemies. Followers are also useful for carrying off loot to sell.

I see, thanks. BTW I laughed fairly hard at the memes XD (mainly because we all can relate to them so well)

I RP it that I'm providing employment and a meaninful existence. Look at poor Marcurio, sitting in the pub becoming an alcoholic not earning any money and his trade is a mercenary. So I'm giving him the job he wants, and he enjoys it!

Same can apply to housecarls - I don't think they enjoy sitting around the house. If they wanted to stay at home, they would take their armour off and wear clothes. They look like they would be much happier putting that armour to use fighting with their admired leader.

If your followers mess up your sneak attacks, get a follower who can sneak - like Marcurio. I couldn't understand why people complained about followers not sneaking until I had to have Farkus in the Companions question line - he can't sneak.

That being said, I'm not finding having a follower good for my mage who likes AOE spells and would prefer the experience from conjuring and destruction. But I'm stuck with Serana who is annoying and can't be killed because she is currently essential, so I don't have to worry about accidentally killing her.

Don't use followers much. I enjoy adventuring solo.

Take serana as a follower. if she gets in your way, hit her with the mace of Molag Bal.