Long ago, I internalized saying, “Yes, I’m fine” as an automatic reply. Not sure how convincing it sounds, but it’s good enough for people to not follow up on.
I think at this point most of us are having a hell of a go at it, but for the sake of keeping on keeping on, we just sweep it under the rug.
I just laugh. A deep, belly laugh that goes way too long. That way it keeps the exchange positive, but I’m still being honest.
I just laugh and say, “Oh, it’s a never ending circus.” It’s a light-hearted way of saying, “I’m in the ring with a lion, I don’t know what I’m doing, and he looks extra hungry today. Help.”
I catch myself white-lying or just plain lying as a result of these auto-replies.
I’ve tried various versions of replying more or less like this, and haven’t found a way that doesn’t seem to sound snarky to folks.
When im asked i consider how i am in that moment. Usually i am fine in the moment.
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