You're walking down a hallway, you're strolling across the street, or you're in the same shop as someone you know (or at least are familiar with). As you approach the person, you plan out how you are going to catch their attention, by waving, saying their name, and then you drop the inevitable filler, "How are you?"

Think to yourself. What is the most common answer you get? "I'm good."

What is the most common answer you say in reply if you are asked this question? "I'm good."

But are you always just "good"?

I have expressed that I am doing well to others countless times, even when I'm having one of the worst days of my life. Why do we lie like this when people ask this question?

Why aren't we abruptly honest and express how we are really doing? They did ask, after all, even they were just trying to fill the conversation void. The majority of the time, you know the person you're speaking with at least on a basic level. Maybe you met them in class, maybe they're one of your friends' friends, maybe you saw them one night out, or maybe you got to know each other waiting in the dreaded mail line.

Regardless, you are asked this question primarily to generate small talk as well as to give an honest response.

What if you're having a bad day? The worst thing to say when feeling down is to say that you are doing fine -- you're just lying to yourself and others.

What if you are having the best day of your life? Don't hesitate to let the world know! It's not every day that you are having the best of days, so let it show.

We need to stop expressing false feelings. We need to stop assuming that everyone is doing fine in the world. You never know what someone is going through or how they are doing (especially if they don't honestly express it). We need to stop thinking that everyone is simply "good." Express how you feel. Show others what you are thinking. It's okay to be less than "good" and it's equally as okay to be more than "good." Just honestly express yourself.