How are you today?

This morning I was talking to a friend of mine before school. I asked how she was, and she said, 'tired', and proceeded to give me an explanation of why. She then asked me how I was doing. Having just heard her honest answer, I replied with an honest answer.

Simple, right? Not really. Think back on your week, how many times have people asked you, "how are you?" or "how was your day?" or even, "what's up?"

Were you honest? or did you give the non-commital, "I'm good" (which, by the way, is awful grammar), "It was fine", or "nothing much, you?".

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with these answers, occasionally there really isn't anything to say. But rather then just responding to them without thinking, try to think about what you are saying. Even if you don't realize it, you are conveying to that person that you don't really want to talk. You may even be hiding from yourself by saying that you're fine when you know that you aren't. When you think before you speak, look at what a difference it makes!

I know I am guilty of not truly answering these questions, and of asking them without truly caring. But I think that this is a societal ill, one that needs to be remedied. People will genuinely care about you, especially if you care about them.

Here's an example:
A few days ago I recieved a really bad grade. (Don't ask what it was, I won't tell) I got this test back early in the day and was dejected for the rest of my classes. Here's the silver lining - people noticed. My teachers cared that I was down, noticed when they took attendance, and asked my what was wrong. A few students asked me as well. Even though I wasn't all that excited about talking about it, I was happy that people cared and so I resonded with honesty. And they listened. They resopnded with thier own truths. I was greatly blessed by it.

Last night at Navs we talked about why people might hide thier true identity. But we didn't talk about how people hide thier true identity. I think this is one of the ways of hiding, and we have let it become a ritual.

Break the mold. Ask how someone is and REALLY WANT TO KNOW. When they ask you, give a short, but HONEST answer.

Then tell me how it turns out. I hope to be sharing more stories with you!