it's a simple phrase, an overused one actually. but when asked this, most people go with the easiest response— "good, you?" but for some, it sets them thinking. it gives them a chance to reflect on their feelings. are they actually doing mentally and physically okay? well you see, it's a phrase that's overused, but not for some people.
some people are rarely asked how they're doing.
and i know how it is like to feel that way.
it feels like no one just cares about how you're doing, so sooner or later, you don't either. when you're sad, you just sweep it away. when you're angry, you just swallow your tears. when you're happy, you don't live in the moment because there's that deep negative feelings boiling inside of you that you never got rid of and every time you're happy, you know for a fact that this happiness isn't going to last.
and because all these feelings are hidden, people assume you're doing fine, and you don't want to burden them about your problems either.
so these feelings then get piled up. and they just never leave.
they might leave bit by bit, as some people ask how they're doing, and just sharing a little dust on what they're going through but never reveal the whole burden that's weighing them down so much. so it never disappears. it only goes up a lot, or go down a little.
so don't take it for granted when people ask you
"how are you?" because others may be dying to be asked that question and never speaking up just to avoid burdening someone or being deemed as attention seeking. instead, take time to reflect and answer the question honestly.
