When you realize nobody actually wants the real answer to "how are you"

Coworker asked me how I was doing this morning. I said "honestly, not great" and watched her face go through about five stages of regret for asking. Quick subject change. Got it.

That's the thing though. "How are you" isn't a question. It's a greeting. Everyone knows the script. Fine, good, can't complain, living the dream. You say your line, they say theirs, you both move on. It only gets weird when someone actually answers it.

I'm not even mad at her specifically. It's just exhausting performing fine all day every day because the alternative makes people uncomfortable. You're not allowed to be struggling in casual conversation. That's too heavy, wrong time, wrong place, wrong person. But then when is the right time? Because I keep waiting for it and it never seems to come.

Started just saying "I'm good" again. Easier for everyone.