that one question.

What do you usually say when someone says “how are you?”

i dislike this question. i just lie and say, “i’m just fine.” Am I? no. deep inside, i’m in pain and in grief. this question would lead to so much more if you let it.

everyone feels pain at least once in their life.

whether it’s physical, like a wound. or something emotional like betrayal.

even though people are hurt constantly, many of them keep a smile on their face. they hide their pain from their family, friends, even strangers.

behind that smile, could there be something much more?

abuse, betrayal, abandonment, regret, etc..

sure, it looks like a shallow cut, i mean there are lots of other people that have more problems than them. but no. even with the smallest cut, there is a lot of pain and suffering. don’t dismiss the wound because it’s shallow, carefully examine it.

so look into their eyes, and ask them. “How’s Life?” or just a simple, “How are you?” their answers will probably be, “fine”, “oh just great!”, “i’m okay”. if you actually want to help, ask them if they truly are fine or okay.

i usually respond with a “i’m fine.” truthfully, i’m not. i wouldn’t want to burden my friends or family with my problems. but holding them in, is not particularly healthy. but the next time someone asks me, “how are you?” and they can actually tell i’m not fine, i’ll tell them the truth.