How to respond to ‘how are you?’ when you’re not OK

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December 19, 2025 How to respond to 'how are you?' when you're not OK By Angela Haupt Editor, Health and Wellness You know the expected script as well as I do: When someone asks how you are, you smile and say "fine." But what if you're not? I asked experts what to say when someone asks you how you are, and the truth isn't "good." READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ 9 Ways to Squeeze in More Steps Every Day Stop texting the people you live with, and get (or borrow) a dog.   How to Respond to an Insult, According to Therapists "What a wild thing to say out loud."   How to Tell if Someone Is Lying to You, According to Experts There will be physical signs—and you'll hear the same story over and over.   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Angela Haupt and edited by Mandy Oaklander.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2025 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States of America Terms of Service