"How are You?"

During the chatter that often precedes the start of a church meeting, a friend saw me sitting alone in my thoughts and asked if I was alright. I said I was, but my friend observed that I looked sad. I didn't actually feel sad or depressed, but I did feel stressed about an assignment I need to get done very soon, and it required a lot of work. I briefly explained this to my friend, who sympathized and after a moment I decided the assignment wouldn't be too hard anyway, based on what I had already done. I am grateful for my friend's expression of friendship and kindness in simple words.

Everyday, I greet someone on campus or in a hallway as I walk from place to place. Each time, we exchange greetings, which are always pleasant. But sometimes, it's hard for me to sincerely say "I'm good, how are you?" when I feel upset or stressed about something. However, this is all part of the social norm, this is how we express politeness here in the United States. And you know what? I am fine with this because whenever I tell someone I am "going well," I automatically remind myself why I'm doing well. These small moments of conversation can either be brief reminders of the good in your life, or a chance to talk with a friend. Both are positive experiences, I believe.