How are you doing? Seriously, are you okay? Feeling good? Just okay? Not so great? Why do you think you’re feeling the way you are? is https://fivedotoh.com/2022/09/07/fandangos-provocative-question-181/ and my answer is complicated to say the least.
How often do you get asked how you are, and the most common answer is fine. Even when you are not feeling fine but overwhelmed with a situation you cannot control.
In the last year a lot has happened, and I think fine became my mantra. Was I fine? Probably not, but I am lucky to have a safe network of people I can talk to when I don’t feel my best. My husband will always be there to talk to, as are my children. I hope that they feel they can talk to me when they are not okay.
How a person is feeling can change from day to day, even from hour to hour, so our feelings are complicated. A song can be played on the radio, or on TV, and I can be tearful, especially when remembering family or friends who are no longer with us. That same song can make me smile, as I remember them.
Sometimes a joke, out of the blue, can make me laugh.
We are a complicated species, because life can be so complicated.
I have learnt that having a safe network of friends and family can help you feel less lonely. Especially when times are difficult. I hope that they can talk to me, if they need someone to talk to.
The next time someone says they are fine, but you can see they are not, be the person who cares enough to ask again.
Writer Ravenclaw 
Yes, we seldom pay attention to the answer people give when we ask them how they are. Gray reminder Diana
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Love your last sentence Diana. Being prepared to listen speaks volumes.
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Good answer. How are you doing/feeling is often such a throwaway question, but sometimes it’s genuine.
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