How are you {really} doing? Are you fine?
Look at this dialogue:
Your friend: “How are you doing?”
You: “I’m fine.”
Your friend: “Oh no what’s wrong?”
Typically when you tell someone “I’m fine” as a response to how you are, they may think that something is wrong, that you’re actually not fine. So what can you say?
Try one of these positive alternatives instead.
1 – I’m great! or I’ve been pretty great, actually.
2 – Doing really well.
3 – Couldn’t be better.
4 – Never better.
Try one of these neutral alternatives if you aren’t “fine”
1 – I’m not too shabby, thanks.
2 – I’m not too bad, thanks.
3 – I’m pretty good.
4 – I’m okay, thanks.
And if you REALLY want to be dramatically positive….
5 – I’m on top of the world.
6 – I’m on cloud 9.
What can you say if you’re NOT fine?
1 – I’m not doing well.
2 – I’ve seen better days.
3 – Today was rough.
4 – I’m struggling a little right now.
5 – I’ve been better, to be honest.