It can be difficult to tell your friends that you're not okay when they ask how you are. You might feel like you're supposed to say "I'm fine" or "I'm good" even if you're not. However, it's important to remember that your friends care about you and want to support you. Telling them the truth can help you feel better and can give them the opportunity to help you.
Here are some tips on how to tell your friends that you're not okay when they ask how you are:
Be honest: It's okay to say that you're not okay. You don't have to sugarcoat your feelings or pretend to be fine. Your friends will understand and want to help you.
Be specific: Tell your friends what's going on. For example, if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, let them know. This will help them understand how they can help you.
Ask for what you need: If you need someone to talk to, ask your friends if they have time to chat. If you need a break from socializing, let them know that you need some time alone.
Use "I" statements: Instead of saying "you're always so busy" or "you never have time for me", use "I" statements, such as "I feel lonely" or "I feel like I'm not a priority". This will help your friends understand your feelings better and avoid any unnecessary conflicts.
Give them a heads up: If you know that you're going through a difficult time and might not be able to be as present as usual, let your friends know ahead of time. They'll be more understanding if they know what's going on.
It's important to remember that your friends care about you and want to support you. Telling them the truth about how you're feeling can help you feel better and give them the opportunity to help you. Remember that you're not alone and that people care about you.
In conclusion, it's okay to tell your friends that you're not okay when they ask how you are. The most important thing is, to be honest, and open with them. Be specific and let them know what you need. Use "I" statements and give them a heads-up if you're going through a difficult time. Remember that they care about you and want to help you. It takes courage to be vulnerable and ask for help, but it's important to take care of yourself and your mental health.