Let’s be honest

When was the last time you asked someone, “How are you?” and actually expected a real answer? Think about it for a moment…

And when was the last time someone asked you, “How are you?” and you answered honestly? Think about it for a moment…

My answer to both of those questions is: I don’t know.

Because let’s be honest here—when your neighbor asks you, as you’re walking by, “Hey, how are you?” you don’t reply:

“Hi Jerry, my night was horrible. I didn’t sleep, and I don’t know how I’ll be able to work today.”

Or:

“My God, I feel like shit. I feel uncomfortable, I don’t like myself at the moment, I haven’t had intercourse with my partner in I don’t know how long, and I maxed out my credit card and don’t know how I’m going to pay it back. Have a nice day!”

I mean, let’s be honest—that just doesn’t happen.

Whatever is really going on in your life, you just don’t tell people. 

We rarely even tell our closest friends how we’re really doing. Maybe we’re afraid of their reaction. Maybe we’re afraid they’ll leave us if we share too much. Or maybe we just don’t want to bring down their mood.

So why do we hear the phrase, “How are you?” multiple times a day when almost no honest answer is ever exchanged?

Yes, of course it’s polite to ask. But what if, for just one day, we all answered each other honestly? What do you think would happen?

Maybe something magical would happen. 

Maybe we’d all grow a little closer because we chose to share something true and honest in a world where genuine connection and honesty seem to be becoming increasingly rare. A world where what we present to the outside is often more important than what’s really going on inside of us.

Maybe it would make everything feel just a little lighter.

Or maybe it’s better to politely keep this strange habit alive because it’s simply what we do.

I think one day I’ll have that honest day—and afterwards, I’ll tell you what happened.

Will you join me?

Lots of love,

Alisa