launchora_img

When did you really mean "How are you"?

Info

Isn't it funny how so many people ask you how you are, but so little actually mean it? So few are the ones who are willing to listen to the real answer. 

We are not machines, we have emotions and most importantly we have thoughts that make us feel certain ways; whether it's memories, information, experiences, routines, what we believe in, what we want to fight for, what we feel sorry for... So many things in our head and yet all we find to say is "I'm fine". Sure, it's like checking if you're in the most primary sense "OK". But what if I'm not injured in a leg or an arm but I'm hurt inside? Am I still allowed to say "I'm good. How are you"? What if so many things could just make me burst out of anger or sadness or passion? I mean are all those things for nothing? What if I don't feel OK?

Now you're probably saying, "well we can't exactly ask "why do you feel sad when you watch this movie" if we don't know that you have watched it or that you have that in your mind right now. In fact we can't know what's in your mind and that's why we're asking you a generic question such as "how are you"." Very well, but I'm telling you, next time someone asks you how you are, if you don't respond with the classic answer, the reactions might be surprising.

Indeed nobody ever expects another response, because the answer almost doesn't matter to them. It's out of convenience, because we have been taught to say it. 

"Well what do I do about it then" you say. Well, once I realized all those things, I tried to do it, I tried to really understand people and get the real answer. And believe me it was something! I mean it's fascinating how people have things to say. But it's also very tiring. Especially when you do it so informally, just in a few 20 minutes in-between two things. I usually let people talk as long as they want and so it usually lasts a lot longer than planned. However as I said, when it's in such an unprofessional context and since I'm no expert on human affairs, it would just be me listening and empathizing to somebody and trying to give advice all I can, but I would end up never being listened.

Now, I moved to another country and I have less time to listen to people and don't quite have the community I used to have. There are even less people willing to listen to whether I'm OK or not and -since it's nonetheless a two-ways thing- none that I really feel like opening up to, honestly. 

Well, this has been a pretty cynical writing. I'm sorry if it made you sad or angry. I only hope that it made you think a little bit about what you say and who you are willing to listen to. This was my experience. Maybe I'm totally wrong and if so, I'm quite happy for you and for the world, since there at least one person who genuinely cares about how others are.


5 Launchers recommend this story
launchora_img
launchora_imgCharita Mathur
7 years ago
I think you have touched the right cord with this. If everyone starts having the real compassion and concern for others, than o think world will be even more beautiful place to live.
launchora_imgLouise J
7 years ago
Thank you very much! I think so too :)
launchora_imgThu Thảo
7 years ago
Vietnam. 10:53 pm After having read your writing, i feel happier than before. I am one of people who always said that i'm Ok when some others ask me 'How are you?'. I want to tell them what i thought, what i did, what i want ,... but i can't. I feel, just a feeling that they don't want to listen to me, so i always say 'I am good. Don't worry about me.' to them. sometimes, i think that some days, i have to tell everything which i never tell to anyone, which is always in my mind... if not i will be full and sad. Thanks for your writing, it make me realize many things that i never know. wish you be happy and susccess in your life
launchora_imgLouise J
7 years ago
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and send such a beautiful comment! I'm more than happy to learn that! I hope you can get everything out of your system, even little by little. You comment is very encouraging for me to write what I have in mind! Wish you the best in your process :)
launchora_imgThu Thảo
7 years ago
Thank you for encouraging me, thank you, thank you so much ^-^
More stories by Louise
The girl who danced

Little sneek peek to a girl's dream of dancing and doing nothing else.

10
To my friend

A letter to a long time friend.

10
lives crossed

You know those strangers who build your imagination? Those people who you just wish you knew?

00

Stay connected to your stories

When did you really mean "How are you"?

573 Launches

Part of the Society collection

Published on February 10, 2017

Recommended By

(5)

    WHAT'S THIS STORY ABOUT?

    Characters left :

    Category

    • Life
      Love
      Poetry
      Happenings
      Mystery
      MyPlotTwist
      Culture
      Art
      Politics
      Letters To Juliet
      Society
      Universe
      Self-Help
      Modern Romance
      Fantasy
      Humor
      Something Else
      Adventure
      Commentary
      Confessions
      Crime
      Dark Fantasy
      Dear Diary
      Dear Mom
      Dreams
      Episodic/Serial
      Fan Fiction
      Flash Fiction
      Ideas
      Musings
      Parenting
      Play
      Screenplay
      Self-biography
      Songwriting
      Spirituality
      Travelogue
      Young Adult
      Science Fiction
      Children's Story
      Sci-Fantasy
      Poetry Wars
      Sponsored
      Horror
    Cancel

    You can edit published STORIES

    Language

    Delete Opinion

    Delete Reply

    Report Content


    Are you sure you want to report this content?



    Report Content


    This content has been reported as inappropriate. Our team will look into it ASAP. Thank You!



    By signing up you agree to Launchora's Terms & Policies.

    By signing up you agree to Launchora's Terms & Policies.