Can we just normalise saying we aren’t fine if we aren’t

[Daisiesarecute]

Every time someone greets me and they say “how are you?” I feel like I’m obliged to say “all good” just so I don’t come across as negative when in reality sometimes due to the shitty MH I have at times I just want to be honest and say “no I’m not fine”

Anyone else the same?

This is a very social media idea. On social media certain people love to post that their door is always open and kettle always on (1990s management training style open door policy?) - nice idea, impractical and in all honesty just a self deluded lie...

In the non English speaking region where I live the two most common greetings translate as "greet God!" and "I'm your servant! / At your service". Neither are to be understood literally either!

Of course you're right it would be nice if people were generally more honest and spent less time lying to one another and pretending, but not in response to a superficial passing greeting.

It's just a greeting. You don't even have to answer the question if you don't want to.
'Hi Jane, how are you?'
'Hi Peter, it's nice to see you. Have you been busy'
'Very! Now...'

In other parts of the world they ask you if you've eaten lunch/ dinner yet. You don't actually have to tell them whether you had some noodles and a cup of tea.