How Are You?

Ever since my Pastor told us about a very young girl who responded to the "how are you?" question with "I'm great", I decided to be saying "I'm great", I mean, am I not? When Isoken wrote about how people never truthfully respond to the "how are you?" question, I had a rethink. She was of the opinion that people should really say how they were rather than just covering it under the "I'm fine, I'm great" phrase when it's so obvious in a lot of ways that they weren't. I once asked someone how he was and he said "I'm cute" and I was wowed. Sultan responds with something similar every time I ask how he is, he says "I'm handsome". A lot of us are not even confident enough to call ourselves cute or handsome, we're just not really sure of it though we get complimented all the time. Some people would just respond with something like "gud/good, you?" like Abegi, this question again!

The response that inspired this post was given me yesterday by Nappy B (that's his Internet name, I don't know his real name). When I asked "how are you?", he responded with "I'm flourishing" and I'm like wow (I didn't say that though, wasn't in the mood) but I mean, who says that? I was excited for him in one part of my heart, I like when people around me are flourishing. So I figured if I can't tell a stranger how I'm having menstrual cramps, broke at the same time or how I just had a fight with my boyfriend which just makes up how I am at that particular time, I could as well respond with "I'm great" as usual.

Apparently, saying something positive can change the outcome of the day. If you can't really tell anyone how you are, I won't blame you because these days, a problem shared isn't even thought about talk less of it being half solved. I mean, when last did you tell someone you're broke and they gave you money? Or tell someone that you're hungry and they gave you food? Some people will just respond with "ehyah" or "what will you now do?" and you'll just be like "sigh, really?" but don't blame them, when last did you do that for anyone too? Everyone has their problems but some people aren't even willing to assist mentally, emotionally or financially so if that's the kind of people you find yourself around, please use positive responses to lift your spirits and shapen your day. If you're fortunate to have people who are willing to assist you, if you need assistance that is, bare it all to them and see how it goes.

Sometimes, we just need a listening ear but how many people listen these days? You're telling your problems to someone and they're telling you something like "your own is even good, me that..." as if we're in personal problems olympics. Yes, we know you've gone through a lot too but can we just focus on me here? Thanks and God bless, lol. Some people can't even tell if they're supposed to be listening or assisting so they'd rather cut you off by telling you "brb’’ or something worse so they can talk to people with less gabbage. Best thing is to know who you're talking to and what you're telling them, otherwise just remain great, cute, rich or whatever that works for you.

Facebook - Odusola Aanuoluwapo
Instagram - @i_am_phleg
Twitter - @odusolar
BBM - 2BC07AB1