Why "I'm Fine" Is the Loneliest Thing You Say

Someone asks how you are, and “I'm fine” is already out before the question is finished. It can feel like privacy while quietly teaching people to stop checking. Six ways that reflex shows up, what it costs, and a smaller way to answer: tell one safe person one thing that is a little truer than fine. 00:00 The answer before the question 00:23 The answer that beats the question 01:56 You are teaching them to stop 03:10 Being fine is a full-time job 04:29 Private is a choice. This is a reflex. 05:51 The help you refuse, you resent not getting 07:06 A smaller, truer answer