How are you?

I’m fine.

There are some who believe this stands for:

Fucked off. Insecure. Neurotic and Emotional.

Well maybe it’s code for:

Fuck off. I’m Not Engaging.

Or perhaps it means I’m

Frustrated. Irritated. Nonplus and Enraged

Flabbergasted, Incensed, Nihilistic and about to Explode

Flummoxed, Impudent, Narked and Enervated

Frightened. Ill at ease. Nervous and Edgy

Flustered, feeling Idiotic, Naked and Embarrassed

Fraught. Inconsolable. Not happy and Exasperated

Frazzled, Insolent, Nauseated and Empty.

Or even that I’m

Fragile, Inadequate, Needing Encouragement

A Fruitcake, an Insane mad woman who Needs Empathy

Because I’m feeling like

A Fraud, an Imposter, a Novice, Exposed

Flawed, Imperfect and Not Exciting

A Failure, Insignificant, and Never Enough.

Or maybe, just maybe what I actually mean when I say I’m fine, is that I’m

Fed up with your Inane, Non-sensical question. Enough already.

Why do you ask

When you don’t really want to know the answer?

When you don’t care about my response?

What’s wrong with being fine anyway?

I’m not good or bad

Not well or unwell.

I’m alright.

I’m ok.

I’m fine,

Thank you.

Just fine.