“I’m Fine”—When Silence Feels Safer Than the Truth

“I’m Fine”—When Silence Feels Safer Than the Truth By Ruby Dalvina Dear Readers, There’s something I’ve been reflecting on lately—something many of us carry quietly but rarely name. It’s that moment when someone asks, “How are you?” and we respond with a soft, automatic “I’m fine,” even when we’re not. Not because we want to lie. But because, in that moment, the truth feels… unsafe. Too heavy. Too complex. Too vulnerable to unwrap in passing conversation. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—saying “I’m fine” with a smile that hides storms, not out of deception, but out of self-preservation. Why We Say “I’m Fine” When We’re Not Sociologists and psychologists agree: emotional safety plays a huge role in whether we express our true feelings. Vulnerability can be terrifying—especially in a world where strength is often misdefined as stoicism. According to a 2023 report from the American Psychological Association, 63% of adults admit they avoid sharing th...