But Really, How Are You?

"How are you?"

One of the most commonly asked questions is one that offers a lot more complexity than the average person is willing to share, therefore most people default to the same response, “I’m good! How are you?” or somewhere along those lines — but really, how. are. you.

When someone asked me how I was a few days ago, I rapidly responded “I’m good!” without even taking the time to think about it. Right after I answered, I thought to myself, "but am I good right now?" I was having one of those days where I was feeling super down and I just told someone "i'm good" - lie.

This got me thinking that the question "how are you?" is bound to receive a lie for a response more often than not. How often does someone really tell you how they are feeling, especially if it isn't positive? Rarely.

The point of this is a lot more than just decoding the phrase "how are you?" It is to remind yourself to look past the surface of people and really allow there to be space for feelings, spoken or not. I have always made it a point to put myself in other people's shoes and it is important to realize that everyone is walking through their own life and we all have amazing days as well as some really sh*tty ones. You never know what is going on in someone's life, so next time you ask someone how they are doing, ask with authenticity and a genuine approach. If it is a loved one, leave room for an honest answer and really make it a point to check in.

Especially with the state of the current world, emotions are all over the place. Let it be, but don't be afraid to speak your feelings and let people know how you are really feeling. There is no shame in honesty and admitting that every day is not all rainbows - we are all human.

I'll leave you with a cliché, but true, quote that I love and place emphasis on in my everyday life --

"Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder."

Xx